New green corridor at Sentosa to attract butterflies & boost local butterfly populations

As part of its commitment to sustainability and protecting the island's biodiversity, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) will be planting a green corridor aimed at attracting butterflies.

The "butterfly corridor" will link the Imbiah Nature area to Sentosa Sensoryscape, and will be around 500 sq m in size when fully planted.

Larger habitat for butterflies

More than 3,000 trees, shrubs and groundcovers to be planted at the corridor were specially selected to attract butterflies in Singapore, such as the tailed jay, and lime butterfly.

A total of 30 species of plants will be incorporated, including 10 native plant species, such as the marsh holly, Malayan ixora, and Singapore rhododendron.

The corridor will provide a larger habitat and more plants for butterflies to feed on and lay their eggs.

SDC said it hopes that this will boost the local butterfly population, as well as aid in the recovery of vulnerable or endangered species.

It will also facilitate the movement of butterflies to other forested areas on Sentosa.

According to Khew Sin Khoon, a lepidopterist and founder of Butterfly Circle, a group comprising butterfly and photography enthusiasts, butterflies are crucial for pollination and also serve as a food source for other animals and insects.

"The butterfly corridor is an example of how we create beautiful green spaces that allow wildlife to thrive, serving as a biodiversity connector from Imbiah to the ridgeline, and to Sentosa Sensoryscape," said chief executive of SDC, Thien Kwee Eng.

Other sustainability efforts

To protect the island's rich biodiversity, SDC also has a Native Plant Programme, where the landscaping on the island is supplemented with seedlings propagated from plants in Sentosa's forests.

This helps to ensure genetic diversity as well.

SDC stated that it also works closely with businesses on the island and nature groups to conserve ecologically sensitive sites to safeguard and restore biodiversity.

For example, it works with beach clubs along Siloso Beach to educate guests on turtles, which have been sighted in the area before.

The butterfly corridor is open to members of the public and is free of charge.

SDC also plans to host educational tours at the corridor to share about Sentosa's sustainability efforts, as well as citizen science initiatives to monitor butterfly populations.

Top photo from Sentosa Development Corporation and Peellden / Wikipedia