
Labrador Nature Reserve
contains the only rocky sea-cliff on the main island
of Singapore that is accessible to the public for recreation,
education and scientific research. The Labrador shore
is a remnant of the original coastline that once stretched
as far as the present West Coast Park. Historically,
it was one of the main points of defence used by the
British during the Second World War.
Previously gazetted as a national park.
Labrador won its war for survival when more recently,
the 10 ha coastal secondary vegetation and the rocky
shore have been gazetted as a Nature Reserve since 1
January 2002.
Labrador Nature Reserve
has a rich variety of flora and fauna that will delight
nature lovers. More than 50 kinds of birds, including
the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, the Rufous Woodpecker
and Abbott’s Babbler, have been seen here.
Tree species like Symplocos Adenophylla,
Eugenia grandis (Sea Apple), Rhodamnia
cinerea (Silverback), Ixonanthes Reticulate
can be seen here. Many of the trees are rare, and of
special interest is the monocotyledonous tree, Dracaena
Maingayi, estimated to be more than 80 years old.
Fronting the 30m high cliff sides,
the 300 metre Labrador beach is extremely rich in marine
flora and flora. Plants such as the sea-grapes, sea-fan
and red algae provide food for the fauna at the beach.
The coastal forest has species of plants
that can only be found here, and they are becoming less
common. It also has some introduced plants that are
very attractive. Labrador is also unique because it
is home to a rare fern, Diptera Conjugata,
usually found in montane habitats elsewhere in Malaysia.
Labrador Park is an
oasis of tranquility and natural wonder. The Park offers
a picturesque view of the sea. An Aerial Staircase built
on the edge of the secondary forest will offer a prime
view of the cliff side vegetation coupled with a panoramic
view of the sea. It is not uncommon to hear songs sung
by a variety of bird species, including the Oriental
Magpie-robin and Black-naped Oriole. While you are taking
a leisurely stroll along one of the nature trails, you
can spot squirrels scurrying up trees. Raptors like
the Brahminy Kite, Oriental Honey-Buzzard and Black
Baza soar in the sky above while Monitor Lizards sun
along the footpath. Even the Southern Pied Hornbill
has been sighted occasionally.
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