I must have walked up and down the main bridge of SBWR more than 30 times on the morning of 19th March. That approximate 300m displacement from the main entrance is all I managed during the 4-hr trip, pretty much because of the stalking of our endearing Smooth Otters (Lutrogale perpicillata).
Quite perfect timing, the gang of 4 swam towards the main bridge just as we were crossing it. One of them showed off their multitasking skill by yawning and swimming at the same time. No wonder, it was barely 8am in the morning. I was yawning and walking at the same time too. =)
3 of them frolick around the area for a short while, catching fishes while waiting for a member who has lagged behind to catch up.
As they walked ashore, they disappeared behind the mangrove plants. So, why did the otter cross the road/ path?
Because they love to enjoy a hearty breakfast at the prawn pond! With the otters swimming back and forth, and round and round the prawn pond, the 3 of us (the human beings) walked up and down the path, following the direction in which they were swimming (the otters) towards.
While I have never been a big fan of fishes (as a food source), I must say the manner in which the otter feasts on really made the sashimi seemed really yummy. The crunchy sound, coupled with the the otter's enthusiasm and look of satisfaction, gave me second thoughts on whether I'm missing out on some gourmet food!
I was secretly pleased to note that I'm not the only lazy bum in the world! What's best after a full stomach? A nap! shiok only if you lie on your back, spread all paws out, and basically couldnt care less about the spinning world. I, need to learn (about taking it easy that is, not the sleeping posture).
Amazing how we can spent another 1hr+ at the freshwater pond, of course with lots of action from the otters, which I will leave to the next post. =P
In summary, they played hard, the rested, and they performed (or so I think).
Near noon, these otters were STILL at it! Talk about having enormous amount of energy! They must have gotten a little bored with each other, one started gnawing at the cat tail! Not sure it its for play, or for a good reason, but for sure, its something that I wouldnt imagine the authorities to be very pleased with.
Even as the afternoon crowd started to gather, these otters didnt seem bothered with the buzz! Hopefully they won't get so used to human beings that they let their guard down.
The sighting of the Estuarine Crocodule (Crocodylus porosus) must have been the happiest for, ahem, my pseudo daughter. Its her first time meeting these reptiles wild in our reserves! It was quite hilarious how she was still wondering why we were busy snapping photos away, not realising the crocodile's presence. I wouldnt blame her because the still crocodile looks just like a log in water, and part sometimes part of the mangrove plant (trunk) on land.
Being cold blooded, it is not uncommon to see them basking in the sun on a bright sunny morning. This act allows it to regulate its body temperature using the warmth from our natural source of energy.
While it is the largest of all living reptiles, the Estuarine Crocodile that can grow up to 8m in length is seen to be no longer than 3m in our reserves. Although ferocious, these crocodiles have plenty of fishes to feast on in the reserve, they do not pose as a danger to human beings, unless provoked and threatened, of course.
It was interesting to note how the crocodile changed its position when the tide was rising. It looked pretty much like a helpless soul, stranded on an island, soon to be drown! Can't quite happen, because they swim fairly well!
*HELP!*
We left the reserve for a good meal of Ramen, not sashimi at Holland Village, before continuing the day's adventure at Pasir Ris mangroves! Its been a long while since I last visited, but I realised I didnt take many photos!
I havent seen the Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) for a long while! We must be quite luckily, because this heron is primarily more active at twilight. A locally endangered species due to loss of nesting sites and chemical (pesticide) poisoning, it lives mainly in mangroves or near water bodies with plenty of fishes.
One of the highlights of the trip has to be my second encounter with a 'crocodile'! It was my first meeting with Bruguiera hainesii, whose Malay name means 'crocodile's eyes'.
The bashing through of the forest was all worthwhile, for the cigar-like propagule, and pretty flowers!
Although the weather didnt hold up, and we were caught in a heavy downpour towards the end of the trip, it was still a really fun outing. Definitely a great way to spent my annual leave day!
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