Sunday, December 20, 2020

Crocodile on footpath of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve freezes trekkers

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/crocodile-footpath-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-freezes-trekkers
By Nadine Chua, Stomp, Asiaone, 10 December 2020 at 05:34 pm


A crocodile chilling on a footpath at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, spotted on 03 December 2020 at 1.15pm.
PHOTO: A crocodile chilling on a footpath at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, spotted on 03 December 2020 at 1.15pm.
PHOTO: Stomp
Picture posted by Nadine Chua, Stomp, Asiaone on 10 December 2020 at 05:34 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y_C76yb8hXC7LfIoCcsYys-eIGy2eIfsdsKv0Ra7cr14wNOJKFtNc9Yt4FCWcAj74kQI61KID6hPChSHTQJupx6caRNXxzv4vhXrzoL4WP-qbYfWDx6eqVF77VWKhASoeYBthHCOnUI/s800/20201210_croc_stomp.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/original_images/Dec2020/20201210_croc_stomp.jpg?itok=57KTVuqg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/crocodile-footpath-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-freezes-trekkers



If you are going on a trek anytime soon, it will probably be a good idea to look before you walk.

After all, you will never know what animal might stop you in your tracks and claim your path as their own.


The map of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, can be found on Nparks website.
PHOTO: The map of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, can be found on NParks website or at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Centre. There are a few trails. Coastal Trail: 1,300m, Forest Trail: 300m, Mid-conopy Walk: 150m, Migratory Bird Trail: 1,920m.
Picture posted by Nparks

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WF-zDoOWV6fUG-l-nnTkLHCggHvFLIB9hIzsndLrzn-wfVEY480DgqMXB3RTi4sbUxpfFyR4hoSxd5ZtPbmoTcEJH9jnZ6PW9aiOo1Ejwwa1ZY3XphUxlkuHets_FHw7-hNQuK8zVF8/s2048/walking+route+map.jpg
walking route map.jpg



So just imagine the shock on Stomp contributor anonymous' face when he saw a crocodile chilling on a footpath at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.


It is nice to be with nature after spending five days in a week in the concrete jungle.
PHOTO: It is nice to be with nature after spending five days in a week in the concrete jungle. First encounter with wildlife crocodiles and smooth-coated otter pups is uncommon, perhaps it is beginners luck. Though one can be glad that the encounters with the crocodiles were not up closed.
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or Nature Reserve located in the north-west of Singapore is dominated by tidal mudflats and mangrove systems. It is likely that bamboo once existed in this area, hence the name Sungei Buloh
(in Malay Sungei means River and Buloh mean Bamboo). [2]
Picture posted by Audrey in Nature Reserve, Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wildlife on 06 March 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8FsdJO5u1VnPkBxEQPSUaSdz-yzhad5gxSUpASF8I6Stge6bQ_zAc6AQwgSQQy83fnYCMMwzm15GmubepnyTDr4okg6aTJwV-b2hO32Js8G0-t0SF_27PDoMyj7zV7gcnmzTQ-Y7jUA/s800/img_2857.jpg
https://audreysimplicity.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_2857.jpg
https://audreysimplicity.com/2017/03/06/sungei-buloh/



He told Stomp that he spotted the reptile on Dec 3 at 1.15pm.

In the photo, the crocodile can be seen lying open-mouthed on the path as on-lookers gather to snap photos of the large reptile.

Other passers-by behind the eager photographers appear to be waiting for the crocodile to cross the footpath before they continue on their hike.


Stomp contributor anonymous saw a crocodile chilling on a footpath at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
PHOTO: Stomp contributor anonymous saw a crocodile chilling on a footpath at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Other passers-by behind the eager photographers appear to be waiting for the crocodile to cross the footpath before they continue on their hike.
PHOTO: Stomp
Picture posted by Nadine Chua, Stomp, Asiaone on 10 December 2020 at 05:34 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbfapOtz2RsMKSUxA5IB-XVdw_iT0UYkouEQ8U5qLugzBTLfSqGjTBYowsWdoZHITqb5pUvvh9RtWkhEu2wNIipcgwhG3bZwCPL6D9OwsuhrJHaJpQEy9aK21IeKZAiHwtFVebvnwZN0/s700/20201210_reptile_stomp.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20201210_reptile_stomp.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/crocodile-footpath-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-freezes-trekkers



"I saw the crocodile appear on the footpath during high tide," anonymous said.

"I only managed to take one photo, but I did notice many youngsters taking many photos with their digital cameras."

Turns out, it is not an unusual sight to see crocodiles at Sungei Buloh.

Facebook user Fang Fang Lo shared photos of a large crocodile on Nature Society (Singapore)'s page on Monday (Dec 7) and explained how it was seen crawling out of the water before lying still on the footpath.


Facebook user Fang Fang Lo shared photos of a large crocodile on Nature Society (Singapore)'s page on Monday (Dec 7) and explained how it was seen crawling out of the water before lying still on the footpath.
PHOTO: Facebook user Fang Fang Lo shared photos of a large crocodile on Nature Society (Singapore)'s page on Monday (Dec 7) and explained how it was seen crawling out of the water before lying still on the footpath.
PHOTO: Facebook/Fang Fang via Nature Society (Singapore) group on Monday, 07 December 2020
Picture posted by Nadine Chua, Stomp, Asiaone on 10 December 2020 at 05:34 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMINBLkZUMOdT4ovpPDaz9SLBMtjYShk96dKLeSNUsfestuN5wI3x9lBfUoMrgrTxXpnsW8LcsYYjdRO5AO5iexF9vlac8I1dc62a-ZQ2Ihnf2k7UVN5rWBNIi6l7LQ6I7tz2u3fiY5Ks/s960/20201210_crocodile_fb.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20201210_crocodile_fb.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/crocodile-footpath-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-freezes-trekkers



Although both crocodiles were spotted at Sungei Buloh, the crocodile that Fang Fang Lo snapped shots of appears to be bigger than the one Stomp contributor Anonymous saw.


Although both crocodiles were spotted at Sungei Buloh, the crocodile that Fang Fang Lo snapped shots of appears to be bigger than the one Stomp contributor Anonymous saw.
PHOTO: Although both crocodiles were spotted at Sungei Buloh, the crocodile that Fang Fang Lo snapped shots of appears to be bigger than the one Stomp contributor Anonymous saw.
This chonky resident crocodile laid in the middle of the path with mouth open. In the Nature Society (Singapore) Facebook group, Fang Fang Lo said that she saw the crocodile crawling out of the murky water onto the path, forcing visitors to make an U-turn. [3]
Picture poster by mothership on Zhangxin Zheng on 08 December 2020 at 12:19 PM - Crocodile spotted crawling out of water, chilling on Sungei Buloh path with mouth open. Left the visitors open-mouthed too.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oWWbCX_70R2E7wgJ0fce8M0SpxezTGUIJjhlscgplNA6gF3tvf7m9C0rOerTxykY3sahFSXmwfjM1Z_j4MvnJDg8PZINMoPS3SuTq9CRXhQhNoDNg5xzSMKYctaYVMIPOXVgwJUOORI/s960/129555770_10219526852749000_4584775568019313742_n.jpg
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2020/12/129555770_10219526852749000_4584775568019313742_n.jpg
https://mothership.sg/2020/12/crocodile-sungei-buloh/



Basking in the sun
PHOTO: Basking in the sun
An open-mouthed crocodile is certainly not posing with a smile for the camera, don't be mistaken by that look. However, it's likely to be basking in the sun happily or enjoying the warmth from the path. All reptiles like this fellow are cold-blooded and they rely on external sources to warm up their body. [3]
Picture poster by mothership on Zhangxin Zheng on 08 December 2020 at 12:19 PM

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPmjisq84r9b6WMIx2SrFK54TqknAD7aQZRETYdobT8sODemoJvWqvKs-CFbzTBlk6u6_r3US7dkuEJlWCqeLL13FKGGiImlWYHFDybsi6e8959xyTZJypHtfNX8SVGwACRLqwkT8p5Y/s600/croc.gif
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2020/12/croc.gif
https://mothership.sg/2020/12/crocodile-sungei-buloh/



While they might look bulky and clumsy with the short limbs, crocodiles can move really fast in short distances.
PHOTO: While they might look bulky and clumsy with the short limbs, crocodiles can move really fast in short distances.
This is also why you probably should not stand too close, even though you will be excited if you spot one of them in Sungei Buloh.
Being opportunistic predators, they can strike when you least expected.
When you encounter one, do stay calm and move away from it. Do not feed, provoke the crocodile or test its limits.
The crocodiles in Singapore are Estuarine Crocodiles, also known as the saltwater crocodiles. [3]

Note: Do not feed the crocodile, it is very very expensive. NParks warning a S$50,000 fine if caught. Not to mention that you may be caught by the crocodile for its meal.
Picture poster by mothership on Zhangxin Zheng on 08 December 2020 at 12:19 PM - S'pore man finds this absolute unit of a crocodile casually lying across Sungei Buloh path
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5c3nREMPCT3dgExQFelF254J6vs0w9Eq6ucWvtvtHzZcGBsXVgbvCtvANHiVQrEQ4ginGKd0vmLrpVM8Z38Cz8Wdu_FHAtkfOXpHZ6A8JDqYyiNLa027ay8LcfQA7ClOM-kGVqMrgKg/s1000/crocodile-sungei-buloh.png
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2019/12/crocodile-sungei-buloh.png
https://mothership.sg/2020/12/crocodile-sungei-buloh/



According to National Parks Board (NParks) , here is what you should do if you encounter a crocodile:
  • Do stay calm and back away.
  • Do not approach, provoke or feed the animal.

NParks added that crocodiles are usually found in the water or at the mudflats away from visitor routes.

Warning signs and advisory notices have been posted at areas where these animals are most often seen. Visitors should heed these signs, which advise the public to stay on the visitor routes and not venture off the designated paths.


Warning signs and advisory notices have been posted at areas where these animals are most often seen.
PHOTO: Warning signs and advisory notices have been posted at areas where these animals are most often seen. Visitors should heed these signs, which advise the public to stay on the visitor routes and not venture off the designated paths.
Do take the signages seriously as there are crocodiles around and we have seen a few big ones in the past. If you bring your children along, do hold on to them and not let them run around on their own. Do not attempt to climb down to the swamp area and put ourselves in potential danger. [2]
Picture posted by Audrey in Nature Reserve, Singapore, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Wildlife on 06 March 2017

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8ebqhIxbuTQUOlV-5KJP7V8fbK2O7mrcK2SslbILPZayvmjgffr-Yer7Dxfhz6cgiLhw7_2AosO9IIIYnWQEWoR17bKtXp7Kbv3cE8mNVguTNlrM4VGekEreF-amHFy4yqte6ji4S9U/s800/img_28521.jpg
https://audreysimplicity.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/img_28521.jpg
https://audreysimplicity.com/2017/03/06/sungei-buloh/



It was high-tide with the green reflection of the mangrove swamp on the water.
PHOTO: It was high-tide with the green reflection of the mangrove swamp on the water. 10 meters away, the crocodile (already grown up, compared to when 10 years ago) was swimming away from us as we watched, on our first trip to the Costal Trail on Wednesday, 16 December 2020. Behind us was a group of small children with their instructors, chatting excitedly. Very brave group, and they were up and about without showing any sign of fear. They even went down the net below the high-tide water level.
It was raining at the beginning of the trail at about 11:30 am, but we carried our umbrellas, and the rain promptly stopped.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYpsAxs3g-x8T9qLDoVPqgBLk3CkSJnWRQ_ZyocJm388r8sKMbVLkOrwm9SXa2ZBuYniDDog7oeDJ8-ugqowx4siEH4V8KtmckSwVfyx5432-d-ojmW6Y_CYXiDZmqwJ6TtGA31BfPUA/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-12-16+at+13.56.01.jpeg
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Walked towards the Eagle Point, if hoping to catch a glimpse of an eagle or two.
PHOTO: Walked towards the Eagle Point, if hoping to catch a glimpse of an eagle or two. Unfortunately there may be no migratory birds during non migratory season. Gloomy weather but fine photographs.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMskjgQH74J2LePjbFcuJOYb-sUZZJlEimWbySmxA1awJCu-vJwLBRbsWRU_EdCfwN8tI0aLDaji8MNGw3RCukSbDeV1J6SGTnIDyvRFbt9IXk648hWaUjMV_D9r4NcWqPcPXi3HY59Q/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-12-16+at+15.48.53.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2020-12-16 at 15.48.53.jpeg


Unfortunately there may be no migratory birds during non migratory season.
PHOTO: Unfortunately there may be no migratory birds during non migratory season.
PHOTO: Gloomy weather but fine photographs.
WhatsApp Image 2020-12-16 at 13.56.00 (2).jpeg


The Eagle Point hidden in the mangrove swamp, surrounded by dense thickets.
PHOTO: The Eagle Point hidden in the mangrove swamp, surrounded by dense thickets. Very nice view from here, especially during high tide. We can see the natural reflection of the coastal swamp with the green mangrove on both sides of the 'river'.
PHOTO: Are we really safe when we climbed up a tree? There are many reptiles lurking around.
Picture posted by Eirian-stock on 19 January 2009 - Appletree III

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimahzsVkOlJ2ChEu_yKzFsm_8bF3jTDby-0sC1dk-mP_eLiSUaXQm5aAXuo06pBGn2Twxm_cV2LCZK6XrN3Z0JqgTHADUBOBPn3Z_9HBcyPSxJeBQBcOlmFExm9SXcmIs_z0WRHGGHAc0/s813/appletree_iii_by_eirian_stock_d1thily-fullview_11.png
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https://www.deviantart.com/eirian-stock/art/Appletree-III-109992310



Monitor can go up the tree too.
PHOTO: Crocodile Monitor can go up the tree too.
Photograph by Jill Nightingale, Fine Art America, uploaded on 01 July 2017 - Crocodile Monitor lying on a branch up in a tree at Zoo Miami in Florida

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbKEQCDOfNcTpDCgf5hxkeM0y6CHgZmqnr8dljWQPeoz2kmCV1Rp_GhWTzcCq58wDhQX1r8DtW4HtZoJFQLm6cqiDMJGkyR1rgUPiRYixTc-KSz-yAD-BmXKz9ODQB1imgOIkezmxvWQ/s900/crocodile-monitor-up-in-tree-jill-nightingale.jpg
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/crocodile-monitor-up-in-tree-jill-nightingale.jpg
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/crocodile-monitor-up-in-tree-jill-nightingale.html



Many are heading out of their homes to get a dose of nature while being stuck in this urban city.
PHOTO: Many are heading out of their homes to get a dose of nature while being stuck in this urban city. Few were in luck to catch sights of wildlife.
Picture posted by Fenetix

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnuNdMPorKqrdloeRqI14iDXqPc5-dFY7kRE6R-TYu7HMdcSFiGxA1b8EvoQoTRCuRpQLsTyWnHjikglsPtghPailL4-xE1AnNjFnznwlNUmvDMfPp2UyUdMYtpaH20lxXOiN-vAM1sc/s1000/Yv7UzyW9_o.jpg
https://images2.imgbox.com/b4/71/Yv7UzyW9_o.jpg
https://fenetix.com/nude-beach/nude-beach-women-sex/


By Nadine Chua, Stomp, Asiaone, 10 December 2020 at 05:34 pm
 
Reference
[1] Nadine Chua, Stomp, Asiaone, Crocodile on footpath of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve freezes trekkers, posted on 10 December 2020 at 05:34 pm, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/crocodile-footpath-sungei-buloh-wetland-reserve-freezes-trekkers

[2] Audrey, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Wetland in a City, posted on 06 March 2017, https://audreysimplicity.com/2017/03/06/sungei-buloh/

[3] Zhangxin Zheng, mothership, Crocodile spotted crawling out of water, chilling on Sungei Buloh path with mouth open. Left the visitors open-mouthed too, posted on 08 December 2020 at 12:19 pm, https://mothership.sg/2020/12/crocodile-sungei-buloh/



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