DEPAUPERATION OF THE MUSHROOM CORAL FAUNA (FUNGIIDAE) OF SINGAPORE (1860s-2006) IN CHANGING REEF CONDITIONS

A study of museum collections (since the 1860s) in comparison with observations during fieldwork (1970, 1987 and 2006) suggests a reduction of the mushroom coral fauna (Scleractinia: Fungiidae) of Singapore. After a revision of 19 Singaporean fungiid species either collected or recorded and photographed in the field, the presence of only 15 species could be confirmed during the latest survey (2006). This number includes a species that was discovered as new to science. Species richness estimators indicate that additional species are not to be expected. This local depauperation of the mushroom coral fauna may be a result of deforestation in the hinterland and land reclamation works in the harbour area, both of which have caused increasing siltation and lower visibility in the coastal waters of Singapore. Coral bleaching on Singapore's reefs (1998) may have played a less prominent role.