Part of Holland Plain, home to orchid once thought extinct, up for preservation

It recommended that access to the orchid and carnivorous plants be strictly controlled to prevent poaching by hobbyists. This could be implemented through raised boardwalks and railings.

In total, six plant species were deemed to be of conservation significance in the 14.5ha area assessed for environmental impact, with the report calling for at risk flora to be transplanted before construction begins.

Drawing on previous studies, the report said a total of 131 animal species, including the critically endangered straw-headed bulbul and Sunda pangolin, were found within the study area, part of which was identified as a key stopover point for wildlife to rest as they travel between Singapore’s dwindling green spaces.

Separately, an environmental impact assessment commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to re-develop Laurel Wood Avenue linked to the Holland Plain site also recommended measures to limit impact on wildlife.

The road borders a 27ha Greenleaf forest to the east of the Rail Corridor, which is slated for future housing.

The 106-page report prepared by consultancy Aurecon found a notable diversity of bats, logging eight out of Singapore’s 20 bat species. This included high numbers of the glossy horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus refulgens), a species typically found in major forest reserves.

These were detected during field surveys for the 106-page assessment between July 2022 and September 2022.

To limit the development’s impact, the report recommended the installation of special street lighting on the new road that will minimise light pollution, which disrupts bat navigation, roosting and feeding, among other measures.

Second-year environmental and earth systems science undergraduate Emma Chao, who co-published a report in NUS’ Singapore Biodiversity Records showing that the glossy horseshoe bats used the Rail Corridor, called for the recommended measures to be implemented.

“Horseshoe bats have evolved a form of echolocation suited to cluttered habitat, and although the species can endure some road crossings, too much light and noise could drive them away,” said the NTU student, who has helped out in three bat research projects here.

“Care must be taken to thoroughly shield lights and reduce nocturnal noise, with consideration for when bats are most active.”

She noted that any loss of tree cover in the Laurel Wood Avenue site will degrade the amount of habitat for glossy horseshoe bats to feed in, as the species requires dense vegetation.

For the Holland Plain site, the clearance of forest could encroach on the sole corridor that connects the horseshoe bats to sites like Laurel Wood Avenue, said Ms Chao.

Mr Muhammad Nasry Abdul Nasir, executive director of nature group Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity, welcomed the preservation of the Holland Plain patch, but raised some concerns.

He was consulted for both engagements as a representative for nature groups.

He noted the insufficient data was collected for the Laurel Wood Avenue report, citing the short time frame of the surveys and the omission of a nearby canal that could harbour wildlife.

“A survey was conducted in August, just before migratory season begins, which naturally means that only resident birds will be found in the survey,” he noted.

Mr Nasry, who participated in consultations for both assessments, also called for a 100m-long buffer to shield a freshwater marsh in the Holland Plain neighbourhood.

Following the 2022 Cross Island Line environmental impact assessment, which earmarked the marsh for development, his group has taken residents and members of the hiking community on walks there, in the hope that the increasingly rare habitat could be saved.

The previous report had described the marsh, which likely formed more than 40 years ago, as one that supports a diverse community of dragonflies and damselflies.

While the authorities have since started the construction of a replacement habitat, dozens of new residents moving to the area could easily destroy the recreated marsh, he warned.

Without an adequate buffer, he added, the delicate ecosystem could be threatened by future residents.

“All it takes is for a resident to complain about the marsh years from now, leading to routine mosquito fogging that could wipe out dragonflies and frogs that naturally control mosquitoes,” he said.

The Holland Plain report noted that fumigation is anticipated to be infrequent with the implementation of effective measures to control mosquitos and other pests.

The public have until Jan 8 to read and provide feedback on the Holland Plain report at

. Those interested to give feedback on the Laurel Wood Avenue report can do so

To date, four environmental impact assessments have been released in December.