Borneo Books Online Shop » Coral Reefs

Coral Reef Life of Singapore; A Guide to the

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

This guide is written to highlight the variety of organisms present on our reefs and correct the mistaken impression that Singapore reefs are dying because of the heavy sediment load of the waters. Although our reefs are limited in extent compared to those of our neighbouring countries, the diversity of life is high. We have recorded from our reefs about 150 species of hard corals and many groups of reef organisms still remain to be investigated. The reefs therefore serve as excellent natural laboratories for those interested in coral reef studies. Development which is necessary to the growth of our economy has reduced the extent of our reefs, eliminating all those fringing the mainland and many around the southern islands. However, those that remain still harbour a wealth of reef organisms and merit some consideration for their conservation. This is a resource which we have and should remain to be admired in the natural state. While large aquarium tanks can bring some of the splendour of reef life to the public to view in comfort, they can never achieve the dynamic intricacies of the natural system. With the limited extent of remaining reef resources, their conservation has become all the more imperative. It is thus encouraging to note that two groups have initiated projects in 1987 aimed at reef conservation. One is by the Reef Survey and Conservation Project Committee comprising representatives of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, the Singapore Underwater Federation and the Singapore Institute of Biology, and the other is by the Marine Conservation Sub-group of the Singapore Branch of the Malayan Nature Society. Ecological studies on our coral reefs have been and will continue to be actively conducted by the Reef Ecology Study Team of the Department of Zoology, National University of Singapore. The results of these studies will contribute greatly to our understanding of the reefs and complement the efforts to the reef conservation projects which aim to bring about greater public awareness and admiration of our reefs. I wish to thank my wife, Renee, and daughter, Diana, for their wonderful support and Miss Grace Lim Su Yeong for helping to organise the slides, diagrams and index. Thanks are also due to my colleague, Dr Leo Tan for writing the foreword and to the staff of the Singapore Science Centre involved with the production of this book.

Corals Indo Pacific field Guide

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Today the term “coral reef’ calls to mind one of the most fascinating and varied environments on our planet. Coral reefs are formed by tiny polyps that draw lime from the sea water and shape it into cup-like habitats. Millions of these minuscule cups are joined together in rows and layers to form huge limestone structures. With more than 1000 photographs and several captivating short stories, this book provides a breathtaking panorama of the coral world and identifies its inhabitants like gorgonians, stoloniferans, soft corals, sea pens and the popular stony corals as well as sea anemones, black and fire corals.

Diving the World’s Coral Reefs

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Diving the World’s Coral Reefs provides a comprehensive and visual celebration of the diving on some of nature’s most beautiful and colourful reefs. Built up over millions of years from the skeletal remains of tiny animals and often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs are among the most diverse and complex ecosystems on Earth. With the help of symbiotic algae that convert the sun’s energy using photosynthesis, many corals grow in water that os poor in nutrients. This is ecologically important becouse they provide a sheltered habitat for a large percentage of all marine species in water thet would otherwise be desolate. At the same time, they provide a singificant food source, protect the shoreline from rough seas and produce an income and recreational area for millions of people.

Enchanted Gardens of Kinabalu

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

The “Enchanted Gardens of Kinabalu – A Borneo Diary” is a lifetime’s journey of discovery through the natural wonders of Borneo – from the ancient coral reefs and cycads of the sea-shore, the excitement of discovery of the gigantic Rafflesia flower in the dim rainforest or a previously unknown frogmouth on its nest in the mountain cloud forest. Or, the joy of seeing a rare spiderhunter at rhododendron flowers, a flock of hornbills magically appearing out of the mist, the delight of exploring the rainforest in flower and of finding pitcher-plants and orchids in secluded groves. Not tomention the discovery of tiny alpine flowers on the peaks of Mt. Kinabalu – Borneo’s highest mountain. The book, based on the author’s diaries, is beautifully illustrated by her own water-colour paintings and delicate line drawings. Its vivid impressions of plant and animal life illustrate a world that is fast disappearing. It is a personal and evocative account of one of the world’s last great wilderness’s, and of one of the richest and most complex habitats on earth.

Layang-Layang

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

With today’s heightened awareness of the fragility in marine ecosystems, this book serves to enlighten the reader about the actual processes that keep alive one of the planet’s most majestic habitats: the coral reefs. Drawing on examples at one of the world’s most pristine and highly acclaimed atolls, Layang Layang, the lessons contained in this volume are nevertheless applicable to reefs worldwide, and in particular throughout the Southeast Asian region. This book explores many of the unanswered questions by divers as they explore the marine rainforest equivalent. From symbiotic relationships to rare sightings, from feeding strategies to ecological behaviour, the words and pictures clarify and explain the wonderfully complex coral reef eco-system in a clear and understandable manner. Coral reefs are home to much of the globe’s marine biodiversity. This diversity exists across different families, different species, and even down to the genetic differences among individuals. Our understanding of the processes occurring in the oceans are in a juvenile stage as compared to our knowledge of what happens on land. It is the hope of the authors that this volume will enlighten the public on the plight of these fragile marine ecosystems, and to share our love for the underwater realm.

Marine Life of Malaysia & Singapore; Tropical

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

The warm, clear seas of the vast IndoPacific region nurture an incredible array of undersea creatures. This handy field guide is an excellent introduction to the fascinating marine life inhabiting the coral reefs of Malaysia and Singapore. Written by Dr. Gerald Allen, author of numerous books on marine life, this guide features stunning color shots by some of the world’s best underwater photographers. 60 full-color photographs, Informative text & Scientific and common names included.

Marine Life of the Pacific & Indian Oceans

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Malaysia lies at the very heart of the world’s richest marine biological province – the vast Indo-Pacific region. The development of its coral reefs is unsurpassed, forming a sanctuary for a myriad of colourful, often bizarre life froms. Nowhere else is there such a fascinating array of undersea creatures. This handy reference book provides a compact, comprehensive introduction to the region’s coral reef inhabitants – virtually all the main groups from seaweeds to mammals. ‘Marine Life of Malaysia and the Indo-Pacific’ showcases more than 350 highquality photography by some of the world’s finest underwater photographers. The informative text was written by Dr. Gerald Allen, renowned international expert on coral reef fishes and author of numerous books on marine life.

Reef Exploring the Underwater World

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Although they cover only one per cent of the Earth’s surface, coral reefs are home to more than 25 per cent of all marine fish species. They are the largest living structures on the planet, created by countless tiny organisms over millennia. Reef is your opportunity to discover these incredible habitats, home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on the planet.Coral reefs aren’t known as the “rainforestsof the sea” for nothing their beauty and the dazzking variety of animal and plant life that makes up these ecosystems is preserved in a delicate balance now under threat. Created by Scubazoo, a leading team of underwater photographers and filmmakers, Raaf is an outstanding photographic portrait of these astonishing environments. From algee to sharks, the book takes you on a sub-aqua exploration of an extraordinary ecological realm, revealing the splendour, diversity and fragile nature of these remarkable underwater worlds. Examine the full spectrum of animal behaviour, trace the intricate interdependent relationships that exist between vast ranges of species, and witness the ebb and flow of day-to-day life, courtesy of the dedicated Scubazoo team. Reefs provide food, livelihood and wealth for millions of people, but many are threatened with extinction by 2050. From the “coral triangle” and mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia to the kelp forests of New Zealand, this book provides a unique opportunity to get close to these precious but increasingly precarious jewels of the natural world.

Reef Fishes of the World

System — Wed, 31 Oct 2001 00:00:00 +0000

A revised edition which includes 44 new species, this essential guide describes and illustrates all fishes that are likely to be observed by anybody visiting or diving on the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific – including the Red Sea – and western Atlantic Oceans to a depth of 60m. With 2,118 species, over 2,500 colour illustrations, each species is illustrated with every major form that is likely to be seen – male, female, immature or geographical varieties. The text covers the important identification points, where on a reef the species is likely to be found, where in the world the species occurs, with an introduction to the habitat and how to identify fish in the wild. Important identification characteristics are highlighted on every plate.This is the first book that enables divers and snorkellers to identify the inhabitants of coral reefs – wherever they are in the world. ‘Rush out and buy a snorkel: Coral Reef Fishes is a spectacular handbook!’ New Scientist