Observation of floristic succession and biodiversity on rewilded lawns in a tropical city

摘要

Highly controlled and homogeneous greenery styled after the English parkland has become ubiquitous in Singapore since 1965. This stands in sharp contrast to the original characteristics of a tropical landscape embedded in a heterogeneous and complex ecosystem. This study investigates an alternative landscape management method of urban greenery in a tropical city. It observes three lawn plots over 18months; no maintenance is done during this period, making it possible to document the process of natural growth and succession. The results of the study identify common succession patterns and their variables, and suggest that naturally-occurring flora and fauna boost biodiversity.