This led to the formation of the Macaque Working Group, comprised of agencies including the Jane Goodall Institute, National Parks, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), the AVA and several universities, to develop solutions to human-macaque tensions and educate the public on macaque behaviour. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The otter species commonly seen here is the smooth coated otter, which can grow to nearly one metre long. Dugongs often travel hundreds of kilometres for food and are difficult to find in the wild. Learning Chinese – Why You Should Start Them Young, TNAP Highlights: What’s New In Singapore November 2020, Take Part in a Brand Product Survey and Stand to Win NTUC Vouchers, If you find this article useful, do click, Like what you see here? They live in large family groups and are often seen around Singapore’s nature reserves and coastal areas.While you might think the monkeys are cute, they can be aggressive when they feel threatened. If the animal looks distressed, lost or trapped call our 24hr wildlife rescue hotline 9783 7782 for assistance. These social animals usually live in family groups. Humans feeding the macaques is a big source of concern, as it can change the feeding patterns of the monkeys, and cause aggression or illness. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm displayed for this ‘sport’ led the tigers to extinction in Singapore, with our last wild tiger killed in the 1930s. In 2017, an otter bit a five-year-old girl at Gardens by the Bay. Get parenting tips and stories straight to your inbox! National Parks hosts regular crocodile talks at the Reserve (nparks.gov.sg). Wild Singapore – Where to See Otters, Dugongs & Pangolin, Cat Welfare Society – Fighting for Felines, Tips for buying an Australian Investment Property, 4 things you should know about getting married in Singapore. 2020 Year-End School Holiday Programs Not To Be Missed! These social animals usually live in family groups. In Singapore, there are two types of otters that can be found: The smooth-coated otter and the Asian small-clawed otter. Singapore is home to Estuarine Crocodiles, also known as saltwater crocodiles, which can grow to over five metres. One of the most effective ways to help dugongs is to preserve Singapore’s seagrass meadows. But a general waterway clean-up, mandated by Lee Kuan Yew, saw their return, and thanks to a cleaner habitat the otter population began to flourish. Croc enthusiasts should head to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where several crocs have made their home. In 2017, several were spotted near Pasir Ris Park, prompting warning signs at the beach. Some scientists believe that extensive coastal development in Johor has forced some crocodiles further south into Singapore. There are several monkey species in Singapore, of which the Long-tailed Macaque is the most common. “Marina Bay, including Kallang and Singapore Rivers, are the best places to see the otters as there are … The Singapore River otters seen lazing along the Singapore river on Saturday (Oct 26). Roadkill claims an average of 6 to 8 pangolins a year.” To help pangolins, you can donate to the Wildlife Reserves conservation fund: wrs.com.sg, or volunteer with The Pangolin Story: thepangolinstory.wordpress.com, Yes, dugongs can occasionally be spotted in Singapore. Supertree Grove. (Photo: Ottercity) After watching the video by Mr Sanson, … Co-existing with humans in these urban areas does present some problems. Although it is not directly wildlife, the Singapore Zoo offers a home to animals in their naturalistic environment, as they are free roam openly in the park. The government put a bounty on tigers, starting with $20 for every tiger killed. “Marina Bay, including Kallang and Singapore Rivers, are the best places to see the otters as there are permanent resident families there,” explains Sivasothi. There are two species of otters in SG – smooth-coated otters and Asian small-clawed otters. An entire village near Bukit Timah was abandoned due to frequent tiger attacks in the area. For baby animals such as birds or squirrels, we urge public not to remove them or bring home but to look for adult animals or call us with a photo for further action.” The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) works in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and has a dedicated wildlife rescue centre. They can grow quite large, over 2.5 metres and weigh over 300kgs. Their diet consists of fish, frogs, crabs, turtles etc. Join our mailing list here. There are more and more sightings of wild otters in Singapore in recent years. If you want to learn more about these primates, the Jane Goodall Institute and National Parks run monthly guided monkey walks at MacRitchie Reservoir, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Lower Seletar Reservoir (janegoodall.org.sg/event). Jungle areas were extensively cleared in the mid-1800s for plantations, forcing the tigers into the open. Singapore once hosted a significant tiger population during early colonial times. Humans are the main threat to the dugong population, as they are still illegally hunted for their meat, skin (for leather) and for traditional medicine. Army Tank Playground Choa Chu Kang Keat Hong, Military Army Truck Playground at Keat Hong Mirage Singapore, Hansel and Gretel Candyland Playground at Clementi, 17 New Or Revamped Places To Go In Singapore 2020, Dinosaurs at Changi Jurassic Mile Park Connector Terminal 4, Malay CultureFest 2020 Promises Two Fun Weeks of Heritage, Marshall Cavendish Education December Chinese Workshops, 13 Interesting Things To Do In Singapore This Weekend. Distribution of the otter families in Singapore (Data source: Khoo, M de Yuan and Sivasothi, N (2018)b. National Parks estimates their population at around 1,500. Dugong activity can also be seen in the ‘feeding trails’ they create through seagrass meadows as they methodically rip up the seagrass while swimming past. The Asian small-clawed otter can … In recent years they’ve been spotted off Pulau Ubin. The main threats to pangolins in Singapore are urban development and roadkill. As wild animals often wander into urban areas, it’s important to know what to do when you encounter them. When you entered the garden, you will see giant man made supertree which can be up to 16 storeys high. “We attend to over 700 calls a month for wildlife in distress” explains Ms Boopal. This was soon increased to $100 to curb the growing problem. The rescue centre currently houses 105 exotic wild animals from the illegal wildlife trade. ACRES also works extensively against the wildlife trade, including conducting undercover investigations and public education campaigns.