Singapore also supports a diverse coral reef with an estimated area of over 10 km². The marine biodiversity of Singapore includes over 123 reef fish species, more than 190 species of sponges, and 250 species of corals, which accounts for more than 25% of the world’s coral species. Additionally, 12 species can be found in Singapore (i.e., 17% of the world seagrass diversity), more than 450 species of crustaceans (i.e., both freshwater and marine species), over 580 species of mollusks, 865 species of marine fishes, and about 500 species of seaweeds have been observed.

Historically, mangrove habitats covered 13% (1820s) of Singapore’s total land area. However, due to the realignment of rivers, industrial development, and land area reclamation, to date, only 0.95% of Singapore’s land area remains as mangroves which is 6.59 km². Despite this, Singapore still remarkably harbors high diversity of mangrove species, considering its small size. Thirty-five species of mangrove species are found in Singapore, which is about half of the world’s total mangrove species. The largest fragment of mangrove forest can be found at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (National Board Parks, 2024). Hence, these mangroves provide sanctuary and breeding habitats to estuarine animals such as mudskippers, archerfish, pipefish, bivalves, mollusks, crabs, mud lobsters, crocodiles, and many others.

Singapore is a tropical island city-state with a total land area of about 734.3 square kilometers, which includes the main island and 60 small offshore islands and islets. Although this nation is well-developed, intensively populated, and highly industrialized, scientist, stakeholders and lawmakers in Singapore are still at the forefront of biodiversity conservation for its native and endemic terrestrial biodiversity.

To date, the regional terrestrial biodiversity of Singapore supports 30 species of amphibians, 65 species of mammals, 110 species of reptiles, 450 species of birds, 300 species of spiders, over 1400 species of insects, and more than 2000 species of plants. These rich fauna and flora of Singapore are due to reinforced protection and efforts in conserving 4 Nature Reserves and 18 Nature areas. The forests of Singapore are not exploited commercially for timber, and there are no indigenous people dependent on the forests for subsistence. Due to the loss of much of the primary forest cover during the 19th century, secondary forests make up a large portion of the current terrestrial vegetation.

In addition to natural ecosystems, well-managed green spaces such as public parks, park connectors, roadside plantings, and reservoir parks also support considerable biodiversity, which underscores Singapore’s commitment towards creating a clean, green, and blue living environment. Over the past 20 years, Singapore’s green cover has increased from 36% to 47% of the total land area. Continued efforts towards biodiversity conservation and protection in Singapore are strengthened and mainstreamed, committed to extensive reforestation and afforestation.