Small Giant Clam’s Disappearance Reflects Declining Marine Habitats, Expert Warns
SINGAPORE – Dr. Neo Mei Lin, a marine scientist at the National University of Singapore (NUS), raised concerns about the disappearance of the small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) from Singapore’s waters. The species has not been recorded in the country since 2003, with surveys between 2011 and 2020 revealing no traces of it despite extensive monitoring.
The small giant clam is one of three giant clam species native to Singapore. The other two remaining species are the fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa) and the boring giant clam (Tridacna crocea). Unfortunately, two other species, Tridacna gigas and Hippopus hippopus, have already been declared extinct in Singapore.
The disappearance of the small giant clam could be linked to declining water quality and the unconsolidated seabed resulting from years of development, which affects the species’ ability to thrive. Dr. Neo explained that the species requires a stable surface to burrow into, which is no longer available in Singapore’s reef beds.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently assessed the global conservation status of all 12 giant clam species, revealing that half of them are now threatened with extinction. The Tridacna gigas, the largest species, was upgraded to critically endangered, reflecting its declining population.
The IUCN’s findings underscore the urgent need to conserve these critical marine creatures, which play vital roles in cleaning water and providing food for marine life.
