Book review: Biodiversity Research Methods. IBOY in Western Pacific and Asia. Nakashizuka, T. & N. Stork (eds.), 2002. Kyoto University Press and Trans Pacific Press. xvi+216 pp. ISBN 4-87698-435-2 (Kyoto University Press). ISBN 1-87684-377-2 (Trans Pacif

2 Pages·2002·0.24 MB·English

by  Yeo, D C J

THE RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 2002
been reached after more than a century of amphibian research GosnerK, . L., 1960.A simplified table for staginga nurane mbryos
in this unique island continent. Beyond its simple, yet eye- andl arvaew ith noteso ni dentification. Herpetologica1, 6: 183-
catching, cover design is an inspiring tapestry of one woman' 190.
s passion and determination in her quest to seek out this
Martin, A. A., 1965. Tadpoles of the Melbourne area. Victorian
elusive and often overlooked aspect of a frog's 'childhood
Naturalist, 82: 139-149.
days'. I believe that her profession as a music teacher (yes,
Tyler, M. J., 1962. On the preservation of anuran tadpoles.
you heard correctly), rather than an academically competitive
Australian Journal of Science2, 5: 222.
institutional scientist, has enabled her to compose this book
into a silent symphony that is palatable to both the uninitiated
man (and woman) in the street, as well as the stringent
Tzi Ming Leong
herpetologist.
Systematics& Ecology Laboratory
Departmento f Biological Sciences
LITERA TURE CITED
National University of Singapore
Altig, R. A., 1970.A key to the tadpoleso f the continentalU nited Kent Ridge
Statesa nd Canada. Herpetologica,2 6: 180-207. Singapore1 19260
Biodiversity Research Chapter 2, "Forest Ecosystems", covers the terrestrial
Methods. IBOY in taxonomic groups that are prominent in forests, namely
Western Pacific and plants, with emphasis on tall trees; and the following animal
Asia. N akashizuka, T. & groups: arthropods, emphasising on Drosophilidae,
N. Stork (eds.), 2002. Lepidoptera, spiders, ants and termites; amphibians; reptiles;
Kyoto University Press birds; and mammals. It is comprehensive in its treatment of
and Trans Pacific Press. the selected groups, and accompanied by numerous simple
xvi + 216 pp. USD28.00. but clear illustrations of various sampling methods, and some
ISBN 4-87698- sample data sheets.
435-2 (Kyoto University
Press). ISBN 1-87684- In Chapter 3, "Freshwater Ecosystems", the coverage of
377-2 (Trans Pacific organism groups includes one animal group, the fishes; and
Press). the following assemblages:m acrobenthos and macrophytes;
meiobenthos; epi-microphytes; and plankton, including
This book was published treatments of bacteria, zooplankton and phytoplankton. The
in line with title of the chapter, however, is somewhat misleading, as it
DIVERSITAS actually deals primarily with lacustrine habitats (which it
International Biodiversity Observation Year in the Western does well), but falls short on coverage of the numerous other
Pacific and Asia (IB OY-DIWPA) , which focuses on the freshwater habitats found throughout the region. The chosen
assessmento f biodiversity at selected/representative study emphasis here on lakes is apparently because of their
sites throughout the said region. As its title indicates, the relatively stable nature, allowing for easier standardisation
book is essentially a manual of recommended standardised of methods and data comparison. No doubt some of the lake-
research methods aimed at providing bases for proper sampling methods featured can be modified for other
comparisons and monitoring in biodiversity assessments. It freshwater habitats, but the problem is the chapter states that
has drawn input from a large number of experts, as can be "...due to large fluctuations in their [rivers and streams]
seen in the long list of contributors for some sections. environmental conditions, e.g., resulting from seasonal and
sporadic rainfalls, the observation of biodiversity in running
The book is divided into five chapters. The first chapter is waters is often complicated by the difficulty of choosing
a general introduction to the mission, rationale and approach stable or ordinary conditions a~d selecting typical habitats
of IBOY -DIWP A. Chapters 2 to 4 focus on forest comparable to elsewhere." I feel that this should not prevent
ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems,a nd coastal macrophyte at least attempts to come up with some form of standard
communities, respectively, and include, to differing degrees, protocol for sampling other freshwater habitats such as rivers,
topics like rationale, site selection, and general and specific peat and freshwater swamps, montane forest streams, etc.,
methods of sampling and studying selected key groups of as these: i) represent much of the watersheds of the region;
organisms. Chapters 2 and 3 can be stand-alone manuals of ii) harbour a large proportion of the freshwater aquatic
biodiversity assessmentm ethods. Chapter 5, dealing with biodiversity, much of it stenotopic in nature; and iii) are the
island ecosystems, serves more as an introduction to the study sites for many researchers.
Pacific-Asia Biodiversity Transect network (P ABITRA), the
tropical island branch of DIWP A (DIVERS IT AS in the Chapter 4, entitled "Latitudinal Biodiversity in Coastal
Western Pacific and Asia). Macrophyte Communities", seems to lack the detail seen in
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Book Review
otherc hapters.I t conciselyp resentsa samplingm ethodology The editors of this volume were faced with the difficult task
describeda s the "minimum requirementt o be done at each of trying to squeeze biodiversity research methods from a
site for IBOY activity", but limits further detail to wide variety of ecosystems and taxonomic groups into a
small handy manual (216 pp., A5 size,c . 12 by 15 cm). They
recommendedp rotocols and strategiesr athert han methods
acknowledge these problems in the Preface and welcome
per se. The chapteri ncludes a short list of key taxonomic
constructive comments that would help in producing
groups (macroalgae, seagrasses, molluscs, decapod
improved editions. Despite some shortcomings, however,
crustaceans, echinoderms, fishes and corals) that are
this first edition is still a very useful reference. Being
recommendedf or speciesi nventory studies,w ith no other
"...designed for use by those with little formal biological
specifics given. Consideringt he importanceo f the coastal training", as mentioned inside, it would surely benefit
habitatsa nd the overall purposeo f this book, it was a little workers at all levels. I would therefore recommend this book,
disappointingt o not seem ore information on samplinga nd especially for its "Forest Ecosystems" chapter as a manual
study of theser ecommendedg roups. for conducting forest surveys.
Chapter 5, "Research Methods to Initiate PABITRA: The
Darren C. J. Yea
Island Ecosystem Branch of D IWP A" covers the relationship
Raffles Museumo f Biodiversity Research
between PA BITRA and DIWP A; the fundamental theories
Departmento f Biological Sciences
behind the former; as well as transect design. It mentions
The National University of Singapore
that a 15-chapter manual of biodiversity assessmentm ethods Blk S6, ScienceD rive 2
for tropical island habitats is currently being prepared. Singapore 117600,R epublic of -5ingapore
Chek Jawa. researchers, the media, public and the government. In a
Discovering landmark decision, the reclamation of scheduled for Pulau
Singapore's Ubin was deferred,a nd Chek Jawa was saved forjthe interim
Biodiversity. Chua, E. at least.
K., 2002. Simply Green.
116 pp. USD 20. ISBN Chua Be Kiam was amongst those inspired by the variety,
981 046814 8. Tien space, stories and secrets of the area. Like many naturalists
Wah Press (Pte) Ltd. in Singapore, he was familiar with the pockets of terrestrial
biodiversity on the mainland. He had in fact popularised such
Pulau Ubin is a small areas by authoring two photo-history titles, entitled "Nature
island of about 10kmb y in Singapore -Ours to Protect" (1993) and "Pulau Ubin -
2km off the northeastc oasto f Singapore'sm ain island. It is Ours to Treasure" (2001) (see http://
a specialp lace for Singaporeansa nd visitors alike, having www.simplygree.com.sg). A dentist by profession, he is a
escapedt he bustling growth of the city-state,a nd provides passionate nature photographer and nature conservationist,
an impression of a way of life, long lost on mainland and communicates this through his images in books and by
Singapore. However, in 2001, the island awaited an guiding and giving talks. This passion is obvious through
impending fate of reclamationo f its easterna nd southern the photographs and emotive writing of the book.
coastlines.V illagers living in the area had been gradually
shifted out and few remainso f the buildings they occupied The contents are arranged somewhat into chapters.
could even be seen.T he now ghostly coastline however, "Discovering Chek Jawa" is a brief account of the events
providedc ompletea ccessto curiousn aturee nthusiastsw ho leading to the eventual deferment of reclamation. Little of
had previouslys tayeda way from the private propertyo f the the complex series of events has been shared with the public
villagers. and this is a good introduction to an important event in
Singapore's history. "Heaven on Earth" provides an
They stumbled onto a goldmine. This small coastal area overview of the habitats and brief contributions about most
boasted of several ecosystems in one site ~oastal forest, of the ecosystems, and marine life is explored through the
main plant and animal groups in " Fascinating gems of Chek
mangrove, rocky shore, sandy shore, seagrass lagoon, mud
flats and coral rubble. To a population more familiar with Jawa". The author's suggestions about education and tourism
sterile beaches,i t was an explosion of marine life -tunicates, are raised in "What next?" and "Voices from within" is a
sponges, sheeto f quotations by various people. The various affiliations
sea cucumbers, sea stars, a variety of molluscs, seagrass,t he and more so the lack of affiliation of the various people who
list seemingly just went on. The visual splendour of the site, are quoted reflect the diverse interest that Chek Jawa
its uniqueness and impending extinction inspired an summoned to her eventual relief. "The plight andfragility"
explosion of activity on its behalf by nature lovers, educators, and "The last horizon" are reflective pieces on issues facing
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Dr