The book, which is Singapore's first comprehensive reference to local flora and fauna

there are species in Singapore that are found nowhere else in the world, and they should be protected,' said Professor Peter Ng, director of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and one of the three editors of Singapore Biodiversity: An Encyclopedia Of The Natural Environment And Sustainable Development.

The book, which is Singapore's first comprehensive reference to local flora and fauna, celebrates almost 200 years of natural history study here.

It was launched at the National University of Singapore (NUS) on Monday afternoon by President S R Nathan.

National University of Singapore president Tan Chorh Chuan said at the launch: 'This collection provides a detailed record of the key changes that have taken place in our environment over the past two centuries.'

'It also highlights what must be done to preserve our natural heritage for future generations,' he added.