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introduction
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 What's
so special about Chek Jawa?The beauty of Chek Jawa is that several different ecosystems can be seen in one small area. These ecosystems and the plants and animals found there are no longer common in Singapore. They are also fast disappearing elsewhere in the world.  Coastal
Hill ForestThe hill overlooking Chek Jawa is covered with trees and plants that shelter and feed a variety of animals. Many of these plants and animals are no longer commonly seen on mainland Singapore. Some of the rare birds you may spot include the Oriental pied-hornbill and the Red junglefowl. Among the beautiful and unusual trees you may see is the Delek air tree. However, the star is 'Priscilla the Pig' a tame wild boar that often emerges from the forest to greet visitors.  Mangroves The mangroves of Chek Jawa have many interesting plants and animals. Mangrove trees have unusual shapes and properties as they are adapted to being covered in seawater at high tide and to grow in soft mud. Mudskippers are the highlight of a visit to the mangroves.  Rocky
shoreChek Jawa is among the few places left with a natural rocky shore, gravel beach and other interesting rock formations. At low tide, we can have a closer look at some of the strange animals that live here, including barnacles, crabs and fierce shell-drilling snails. Under the rocks are even more amazing animals such as living cowries, sea stars and fast flat crabs.  Sandy
shore and sand barThe shore teems with tiny crabs which, if undisturbed, go about their amusing antics at low tide. The sand bar is the backbone of Chek Jawa and provides a home for all manner of intriguing creatures. The Common sea star is a must-see with visitors, and fortunately, it is plentiful on Chek Jawa. Sadly, it is no longer common elsewhere in Singapore. The sand dollar is another intriguing creature to examine. The sand bar is also a popular rest stop for shorebirds that fly in from as far away as Siberia. Overhead, majestic birds of prey hunt for fishes in the sea.  Seagrass
lagoonA calm, shallow lagoon lush with seagrasses and seaweeds form behind the sand bar. Here, a rich variety of marine creatures shelter during the low tide. First-time visitors are often stunned by the carpet anemones which are bigger than your face and come in a stunning variety of colours. At some times of the year, the seagrass may be dotted with colourful sea cucumbers. Other seagrass dwellers include secretive crabs and snails. A lucky visitor may also encounter sea hares, squids and mantis shrimp.  Coral
Rubble AreaThe coral rubble area is probably the richest part of Chek Jawa and also the most fragile. Rarely exposed, even at low tide, this area shelters delicate sea creatures that prefer to be submerged most of the time. These include sponges in bewildering shapes and colours, delicate fan worms and even living corals! Octopuses, seahorses, nudibranchs and colourful flatworms are some of the other amazing residents of this special part of Chek Jawa. See also... Visiting Chek Jawa A quick virtual tour of Chek Jawa: no time, no problem! Here is a quick-loading site with lots of pictures of what you can see on Chek Jawa. Sketch map of Chek Jawa. Links Chek Jawa—What's so special? by Joseph Lai about the special ecosystems found on Chek Jawa. Checklist of flora and fauna of Chek Jawa a full list of what's on Chek Jawa. |
 Mudskipper  Dove snails  Sand star  Sand dollar  Carpet anemone  Sea cucumber  Colourful sponges  Octopus  Seahorse  Flatworm |
a
companion website to the chek
jawa guidebook
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