Population of Wild Boars and Monkeys and Actions Taken to Manage Increased Sightings in Residential Areas
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Liang Eng Hwa’s inquiry regarding the population trends of wild boars and macaques and the specific actions NParks takes to manage sightings in residential areas. Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee explained that NParks utilizes science-based research and tracking studies to inform management strategies, such as habitat modification and the installation of hoardings. To ensure public safety, population control measures are implemented alongside inter-agency collaboration to improve refuse management and deter the illegal feeding of wildlife. Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee emphasized that public education is crucial for promoting human-wildlife co-existence and discouraging behaviors that alter natural foraging habits. Ultimately, the community is encouraged to play its part by maintaining cleanliness and appreciating wildlife from a safe distance to ensure harmony.
Transcript
46 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the population of wild boars and monkeys has increased over the years; and (b) what are the actions taken by NParks to manage the increased sightings of wild boars and monkeys at residential areas.
Mr Desmond Lee: NParks adopts a science-based approach to manage the population of wildlife in Singapore, including wild boars and monkeys. This includes conducting population studies and research to better understand the distribution of these species. For example, NParks carries out tracking studies to monitor changes in the wild boar population and to identify hotspots. Based on its findings, the wild boar population in our nature reserves has remained relatively constant. NParks is also conducting a study to analyse the population trends of long-tailed macaques.
NParks' studies inform its measures to manage the population of wild boars and monkeys. For example, to reduce the availability of food sources at wild boar hotspots, NParks carries out habitat modification, such as removing oil palms. NParks also works with public agencies and developers to erect hoardings to prevent wildlife like wild boars from straying into nearby residential areas. To safeguard public safety, NParks carries out population control measures where needed.
NParks also works closely with stakeholders on public education and outreach, to promote human-wildlife co-existence. A key area is to discourage the feeding of wildlife. Intentional feeding or irresponsibly discarding food waste can alter the natural foraging behaviour of wildlife and lead them to rely on humans for food. NParks also works closely with other public agencies, grassroots organisations and Town Councils to engage the community on proper refuse management and to deter illegal wildlife feeding. In addition, NParks works with these stakeholders to develop educational resources and to advise the community on how to respond to wildlife sightings.
All of us need to play our part to live in harmony with wildlife. We can do this by not feeding wildlife, keeping our residential areas clean and appreciating wildlife from a safe distance.