Revealing topside survey

A casual beach survey on Pulau Hantu Kecil on Friday 16 July revealed secret lives below the waters surface.

Washed up on shore were three varieties of Murex shells - Their distinctive and alluring pattern and design, make them easy to identify and very pleasing to look at. We also found two varieties of cowrie, and Mitre shells. Sea stars and coral rubble had also been washed up onto the beach.

Making for a wonderful surprise was the presence of Singapore's tallest bird, the Great-Billed Heron (Adrea sumatrana) that stands at an impressive 115cm. This is a rare coastal bird of Singapore, and there it was, standing watch of its territory at Pulau Hantu. Incredible!

There were also crab burrows dotted along the length of Pulau Hantu Kecil, every inch of the island is simply covered with life great and small, above and below the sea.