Consolidating and Reviewing Scope of Wildlife Management Strategies and Responsibilities
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the coordination of wildlife management strategies and the potential consolidation of these responsibilities under a single government agency. Ms Elysa Chen inquired about species-specific management approaches for animals such as monkeys and pigeons and asked if Town Councils should be given broader oversight for wildlife issues within their estates. Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that the National Parks Board (NParks) employs science and community-based strategies, including population control and food source reduction, tailored to the ecology of specific species. He noted that Town Councils are well-positioned to handle localized issues due to their understanding of the living environment, while NParks provides necessary technical advice. The Minister concluded that NParks will continue to support Town Councils to ensure efficient wildlife management and public safety across residential areas.
Transcript
36 Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for National Development (a) how do wildlife management strategies differ across species, such as chickens, crows, pigeons, rats and monkeys; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider consolidating these strategies and responsibilities under a single agency to strengthen coordination, improve public communication, and ensure long-term effectiveness in managing human-wildlife interactions.
37 Ms Elysa Chen asked the Minister for National Development in light of ongoing collaboration between NParks and Town Councils on specific animal management matters such as pest birds, whether the Ministry will consider reviewing and expanding the scope of wildlife management responsibilities so that Town Councils may directly oversee broader wildlife issues within their estates.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The National Parks Board (NParks) adopts a science and community-based approach to overall wildlife management to ensure public safety and prevent disamenities. NParks assesses various factors such as the risks to public safety and health, as well as species' ecology and behaviour, to guide its species-specific strategies. These include measures such as direct population control, trapping and removal, and reduction of food sources.
At the local level, Town Councils (TCs) have a better understanding of the local living environment, and the issues are usually localised in nature. TCs may approach NParks for advice and assistance if they have specific wildlife related issues to manage. NParks will continue to support TCs for efficient wildlife management.