Many of the large fig trees, such as the Banyans and Warringins were most probably left alone during the initial land clearance. Some, especially those found associated with large trees, could have been brought in by animals such as birds and squirrels. These ‘strangling figs’ can now be seen in the advanced stages of ‘snuffing out’ their host plants.
Hanging roots of Banyan
Warringin
Warringin strangler
Red-stem fig
Wildlife is ever present but do not lend themselves easily to observation. Most of what we see would be more active and by chance, sometimes with the aid of equipment such as hand lens, binoculars or cameras. Most of the wildlife resides in the deeper recess of the dense vegetation.
Slug
Snail
Pink-necked Green Pigeon
During this trip, there was a profusion of small snails and slugs on trees and dead vegetation. There was a constant presence of birds in the forest. They can be observed actively foraging for food or their calls could be heard over great distances. Commonly encountered birds included sunbirds, Common Flamebacks (woodpecker), Banded Woodpecker, Striped-tit Babbler, Pink-necked Green Pigeons, Spotted Dove, Blue-tailed Beeeaters, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Changeable Hawk Eagle. Rare encounters reported included the critically endangered Grey-headed Fish Eagle and the White-bellied Woodpecker. Winter migratory birds also visited Bukit Brown to forage for sustenance.
Some plants common to secondary rainforest were also found here. The Macaranga hypoleuca stood out from the greenery as the underside of the leave was white, even as dried, fallen leaves. Another related example is the Macaranga gigantea, whose leaves are large, hence the name.
M. hypoleuca
M. gigantea
These were but a small selection of flora and fauna in Bukit Brown that can be encountered at any time. A great variety of plants and animals has yet to be uncovered. Their relationships and associations have developed over a long period of time into a complex ecosystem. A habitat of equilibrium has been established.
This equilibrium is resilient but once subjected to human disruptions, is difficult to recover. This must be avoided or minimized.