Habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and poaching are all dangers to Singapore’s unique biodiversity, but thanks to existing green patches in our nature reserves and expanding conservation efforts, we’ll be able to enjoy some rare and lovely creatures for years to come.
If you want to see some of these species in Singapore, put on your trekking boots and keep your eyes peeled. Keep one guideline in mind: leave only footprints and take only photographs, and report anybody who harms or removes wildlife from our woods and nature areas.
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Raffles Banded Langur
Let’s start with monkeys! However, we are not talking about the long-tailed macaques who usually try to steal your meal while you are out hiking. The Raffles banded langur feeds on leaves and fruits and can only be found in Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Johor (Malaysia).
Only 40 to 60 are left currently as the major issue they face is habitat loss and food scarcity. Although its population has slowly increased, being a small and isolated group, the langurs still face a high risk of extinction, with insufficient genetic diversity among them to ensure their survival.
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Mousedeer
Mousedeers are a critically endangered species that may be found in the Pulau Ubin, Central Catchment Area, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve areas of Singapore. The Lesser Mousedeer (shown in the photo above), which is the world’s smallest hoofed mammal, is one of two mousedeer species.
The Greater Mousedeer, on the other hand, was formerly assumed to be extinct in Singapore, where it had been missing for more than 80 years but was rediscovered in 2008 during a mammal study. Despite their shyness and cute size, these creatures have sharp fangs and may have a threatening demeanour when provoked.
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Common Palm Civet
This sneaky fruit-lover, also known as the toddy cat or luwak, may be found in Woodlands and low-rise housing estates, foraging for fruit, insects, and small animals along power wires. The characteristic black “mask” across the eyes gives it a bandit-like look.
Fun fact about the Common Palm Civet, its anal scent gland secretions have been characterized as smelling like pandan. So, if you ever smell pandan in a location where there aren’t any, keep a look out for these timid critters, who have a black face mask across their eyes.
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Leopard Cats
Singapore’s sole remaining wild cat is the tiny leopard cat. The main island contains an estimated 20 of these beautifully dappled felines, while around 30 survive on Pulau Tekong. It’s seldom seen in Singapore, and the last time it was discovered was as roadkill in 2007. On the main island, it’s thought to be extinct and sightings are extremely rare, but we hope they’re still roaming free on our outer islands!
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Smooth Coated Otters & Asian Small-Clawed Otters
Otter sightings in Singapore are more common nowadays as compared to the past especially if you know where to look. Having returned to our beaches in 1998, with over eighteen different families of otters that now share our island, sighting them is easier as a result of healthier waters.
When they reproduce, they stay in a certain region for several months before moving on. If you do sight one, do remember to not feed the otters and observe them from a distance to not frighten them.
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Dolphins
Dolphins are without a doubt one of the most popular aquatic creatures on the planet. You might believe that these adorable dolphins can only be seen in the waters of Bali or Australia. However, did you know that dolphins have been spotted in Singapore? It’s all right here in our own backyard!
Dolphins are most regularly seen in Singapore between St John’s and Lazarus Islands, south of Sentosa. These wild dolphins are frequently discussed on social media. During monsoon rains, the waters are quiet. These wild dolphins come to the region for food and relaxation because of the fish on the neighbouring coral reefs.
To be one with nature, you don’t need to visit a zoo or a bird park; our magnificent, particularly Singaporean wildlife is all around you. If you walk through a park, or flip over a stone, you could just come face to face with an animal you’ve never seen before.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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