Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 70 (Suppl. 1): 71-108. 2018 
doi: 10.26492/gbs70(suppl.l). 2018-05 
71 
Aquatic macroinvertebrate richness, 
abundance and distribution in the Nee Soon 
freshwater swamp forest, Singapore 
J.K.I. Ho 1 - 2 , R.F. Quek 2 , S.J. Ramchunder 2 - 3 , A. Memory 2 , M.T.YTheng 2 , 
D.C.J. Yeo 1 & E. Clews 2 
'Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 
14 Science Drive 4, 117543 Singapore 
jonathanho@nus.edu.sg 
2 Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 
18 Kent Ridge Road, 117229 Singapore 
3 Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 
1 Arts Link, 117570 Singapore 
ABSTRACT. The Nee Soon freshwater swamp forest is a vital area for biodiversity conservation 
in Singapore. A survey of the aquatic macroinvertebrates in the streams of the Nee Soon 
drainage was carried out to capture a representative sample of the communities present. Here, 
we present the different groups of macroinvertebrates sampled as well as their abundance and 
distribution within the freshwater swamp forest. An annotated checklist of the orders of the 
macroinvertebrates found in the freshwater swamp forest follows, together with information on 
their distribution and abundance within the Nee Soon catchment. 
Keywords. Aquatic biodiversity, freshwater ecology, invertebrate surveys 
Introduction 
The Nee Soon freshwater swamp forest is the last substantial area of freshwater swamp 
forest found in the island nation of Singapore and serves as a vital conservation area 
due to its rich biological diversity (Ng & Lim, 1992; Lim et al., 2011; O’Dempsey & 
Chew, 2013; O’Dempsey, 2014). It is also one of the most biologically diverse areas 
in Singapore (Lim et al., 2011), especially for freshwater fish and decapod crustaceans 
(Ng & Lim, 1992; Ng, 1997; Ng & Lim, 1997; Li et al., 2016). Additionally, the 
Nee Soon freshwater swamp forest is also an important conservation area for 
other groups of water-dependent (aquatic) macroinvertebrates, also known as the 
zoobenthos (Dudgeon, 1999), as these animals are usually found in stream beds. 
Among these lesser-known groups are the aquatic larvae of insects such as dragonflies 
and damselflies (Odonata), stoneflies (Plecoptera), mayflies (Ephemeroptera), and 
caddisflies (Trichoptera). Other groups which can be found among the zoobenthos of 
the freshwater swamp forest include leeches and other worms (Annelida) as well as 
crustaceans such as the seed shrimps (Ostracoda). Several species from these groups 
are found nowhere else in Singapore, such as the potbellied elf dragonfly (Risiophlebia 
