Exploring wildlife in urban spaces and how to coexist responsibly
In the fourth episode of Green Trails, The Straits Times takes a different route, heading into the urban area of Punggol Northshore, where human-wildlife conflict is a growing concern. Recently, troops of long-tailed macaques were seen at construction sites and even in the void decks of HDB blocks, sparking interest in how to balance urban living with wildlife.
ST journalist Shabana Begum meets with Anbarasi Boopal, co-chief executive of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), and Andie Ang, president of the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore), to discuss how residents can coexist with wildlife, especially in areas like Punggol that are home to various animals.
During the conversation, they highlight the presence of other urban wildlife, such as common palm civets sneaking into homes and junglefowls roaming freely. The podcast explores the complexities of culling animals, with experts emphasizing that removal is not always the solution.
As Ms. Boopal explains, finding balance is key: “Removal (of animals) is always not a solution. And where do we draw the line, right?”
The episode also provides practical advice on how to deal with animals like monkeys and snakes when encountered in urban areas. The Green Trails podcast continues to highlight the importance of integrating nature into our daily lives, even in the midst of urban development.
Highlights of the episode include discussions on why Punggol is a hotspot for monkeys, the best ways to interact with wildlife, and what to do when encountering potentially dangerous animals like snakes.
