Sentosa Announces New Butterfly Corridor to Boost Island’s Biodiversity

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has launched a butterfly corridor at Imbiah Terrace, marking a significant step in its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection. This new corridor connects the Imbiah Nature area to Sentosa Sensoryscape and is designed to attract a variety of butterflies, such as the Tailed Jay and Lime Butterfly, by featuring over 3,000 trees, shrubs, and groundcovers.

A Haven for Butterflies

The butterfly corridor is part of SDC’s broader initiative to enhance Sentosa’s rich biodiversity. Covering over 40 hectares of significant biodiversity sites, including the Imbiah Nature Area and 23 heritage trees, the corridor aims to support the growth and recovery of local butterfly populations, particularly vulnerable and endangered species. The nearby Sentosa Sensoryscape already hosts several butterfly-attracting plants, further extending the green corridor and facilitating the free movement of butterflies across Sentosa, the Southern Islands, and mainland Singapore.

Ecological Plant Selection

The corridor features 30 different plant species chosen for their ecological benefits and suitability to local conditions. Among these are 10 native species, such as Marsh Holly (Ilex cymosa), Malayan Ixora (Ixora congesta), and Singapore Rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum), many of which are cultivated through SDC’s Native Plant Programme. This programme ensures genetic diversity by supplementing SDC’s landscaping with seedlings propagated from plants found in Sentosa’s forests.

Some butterfly species that may be attracted to plants at the butterfly corridor

Images retrieved from NParks’ Flora and Fauna web

Comprehensive Conservation Efforts

SDC’s multi-pronged approach to biodiversity conservation includes the Native Plant Programme and collaborations with island businesses and nature groups. Efforts include educational initiatives at beach clubs along Siloso Beach to raise awareness about turtle spotting and SentoSights guided tours that showcase the island’s biodiversity, helping visitors understand and participate in conservation efforts.

Future Plans

SDC plans to host educational tours to highlight Sentosa’s sustainability initiatives and launch citizen science projects to monitor butterfly populations. These long-term plans aim to engage the community and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity conservation on Sentosa.