where to see otters in singapore
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. The greatest threat is the loss of seagrass habitats. 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Otters have … Small-clawed otters weigh around 5kg each and have been seen on offshore islands such as Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin in recent decades. Our otters have been in the news recently, venturing beyond t ... heir usual haunts with lower human traffic during the circuit breaker. #2 Coney Island. If you find this article useful, do click Like and Share at the bottom of the post, thank you. Supertree Grove. People are excited to see them especially in the urban jungle where sightings of wild animals are rare. The government put a bounty on tigers, starting with $20 for every tiger killed. There are more and more sightings of wild otters in Singapore in recent years. This was soon increased to $100 to curb the growing problem. You can view the playful otters from two levels, the open-air upper level and a lower tier that provides an underwater view of the otters. These are smooth coated otters living in Singapore. National Parks estimates their population at around 1,500. But a general waterway... Pangolin. “As Singapore continues to rapidly urbanise, it is inevitable that pangolins start to venture into urban areas. Visit the Team Seagrass website for information on this valuable habitat and volunteering opportunities. There are two species of otters in SG – smooth-coated otters and Asian small-clawed otters. 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. Some scientists believe that extensive coastal development in Johor has forced some crocodiles further south into Singapore. ACRES also works extensively against the wildlife trade, including conducting undercover investigations and public education campaigns. One of the most effective ways to help dugongs is to preserve Singapore’s seagrass meadows. Otters in Singapore. The otter species commonly seen here is the smooth coated otter, which can grow to nearly one metre long. But we’re glad to see that this particular family of otters is safe and sound, and even enjoying the aircon weather.. We hope that they’ll continue to live happily among us, and survive in this concrete jungle. This is truly an amazing place to spend in Singapore, I didn’t know there are so many thing to explore until I re-visit again few weeks ago. Pangolins are the world’s most heavily trafficked mammal, according to Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Singapore’s otter enthusiasts have fired back at calls to cull the seemingly emboldened critters to rein in their population. According to National Geographic, there are roughly 90 otters that are part of 10 otter families recognizable to the general Singapore public. When you entered the garden, you will see giant man made … Otters had almost disappeared from Singapore by the 1970s, due to waterway pollution. Otters likely repopulated Singapore by swimming across the Johor Straits from Malaysia in the 1990s. Otters have … The two common species of otters in Singapore are the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and the small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). These shy nocturnal creatures are hard to spot in the wild. Of course, luck may not always be on your side to spot them and the only way to really see them without disappointing your kids is to visit one of the parks by Wildlife Reserves Singapore: If you happen to see wild otters, do follow the guidelines by NParks below for a pleasant experience for both you and the otters. 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). “Some of the main threats are roadkill, entanglement in fishing line, and plastics,” says Sivasothi. Estuarine crocodiles are listed as critically endangered – threats come from hunting (for skin and meat), and habitat loss. Last month, Malay Mail reported that smooth-coated otters could be spotted at the 222-acre public park popular with the residents of Selayang and Batu Caves, usually hunting, frolicking, or just basking in the sun. It’s easy to be fooled by their cute appearance, however otters are wild and have very sharp teeth, so be careful. Their scales and meat are prized in traditional medicine and for food. On March 18th, a Facebook page posted a video of a family of (Singaporean) otters climbing up the steps out of a Singapore river.There wasn’t a large crowd of people at the time since many stayed home to fight the pandemic spread of Covid-19. Singapore Zoo’s key species is the Orangutan. Angelica Teo of pangolin research group, The Pangolin Story (https://thepangolinstory.wordpress.com/), explains: “As pangolins are nocturnal animals, they’re only active for a few hours each day, this makes them notoriously difficult to track. Kids are especially thrilled to see wild otters and here are some places that they have been spotted recently and you can try your luck: Image Credit: Ottercity #1 Bishan Park They now live all over the island—from the … According to the National Library Archives, during the 1860s more than 350 people were killed in tiger attacks. PhillipCapital: Plan for Your Family’s Future with Baby and Child Insurance, Euky Bear: Natural Cough and Cold Remedies for the Little Ones, This Preschool Has an Open Secret that Will Give Your Child a Creative Edge. Sightings have been reported increasingly often over the years in Pulau Ubin, Western Catchment Area and Changi as well. Karola Clarke reports. They inhabit mangroves and coastal areas like Marina Bay, Sungei Buloh, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Pulau Ubin, where freshwater is plentiful. The Bishan otters went south to prime territory Marina Bay and displaced the Marina otters. An entire village near Bukit Timah was abandoned due to frequent tiger attacks in the area. The bigger Bishan otter family of 15 had started out in Bishan Park with just three pups. Their diet consists of fish, frogs, crabs, turtles etc. It’s rare to see crocodiles elsewhere, but in February of this year, a 1.7 metre crocodile was captured by National Parks officers at Lower Seletar Reservoir and relocated into the wild. For any of you interested, there's actually a story behind this. The Otter Working Group Singapore is really happy to host Mr Woo Chee Yoong from Malaysian Nature Society as he shares with us early news of his studies at the very precious Kuala Selangor Nature Park. How Can a Couple Resolve or Avoid Misunderstandings? Otters are both agile on land and water. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The coronavirus lockdown in Singapore might have turned the country’s once beloved otters into its currently belligerent others. The Marina otters remained on the move, travelling between East Coast and Singapore River before relocating to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. The main threats to pangolins in Singapore are urban development and roadkill. National University of Singapore (NUS) biology lecturer N. Sivasothi, who heads the OtterWatch facebook group (www.facebook.com/OtterWatch), estimates the population at about 80. Head to Flagham Brook to find both otters and water voles among birds such as nightingale, tawny owl, woodpeckers, lapwing and snipe. Advertisement There are approximately 90 otters living in … Its enclosure is designed to simulate the flowing rivers where otters make their home. Other good areas for otter spotting include Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Pulau Ubin, Serangoon, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Punggol. They can grow quite large, over 2.5 metres and weigh over 300kgs. They are highly aggressive and expansionist towards other otters, and are the most famous and well documented family in Singapore. However, Woo and Ng are both stumped as to the origins of the otters. They come out to catch fish in the morning from 7am to 9am and in the evening from 5pm to 7pm, returning to their holts, or … Lee Hsien Loong updated their cover photo. In 2015, a big switch happened. 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. The kids will want to get close and hug them… but don’t. Although they seem very cute and cuddly, National Parks advisories warn that otters are wild animals and should be treated with caution, especially when otter pups are nearby. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Where Can I Find a Confinement Nanny in Singapore? Unlike most of us who have homes to return to, Singapore’s wildlife and stray animals may not be able to find easy shelter from the rain.. For example, a jump in sea otter numbers in southern Alaska in recent decades led to drops in the catch of Dungeness crabs there. Hope otters stay safe & warm in the rain. They are, to be sure, one highly visible outcome of this city-state’s commitment to supporting urban nature. Smallbrook Meadows - Here water weaves through wet woodland, wildflower meadows, marsh, ditches and ponds. Learning Chinese – Why You Should Start Them Young, TNAP X NMS Doraemon Collectibles Giveaway, TNAP Highlights: What’s New in Singapore January 2021, Where To Buy The Best Pineapple Tarts 2021, If you find this article useful, do click, Like what you see here? What Should Parents Look for in a Leading Student Care Centre? People are excited to see them especially in the urban jungle where sightings of wild animals are rare. 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. 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. On a trip to Singapore last year, I had the chance to see them for myself. Marina Bay. Most otters are believed to have swum across the Johor Strait from Malaysia, which explains why past sightings of otters were often located at … The Marina otters remained on the move, travelling between East … In 2017, an otter bit a five-year-old girl at Gardens by the Bay. Croc enthusiasts should head to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, where several crocs have made their home. You can also help the on-going research on the otters of Singapore by recording your sightings here. Dugongs are listed as critically endangered. The island-state's waters have a distinct lack of predators, while the city's urban scape making it an ideal habitat for otter families in the area. 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It seems like otters are so popular in Singapore that there will be a pop-up attraction inspired by the little fellas. As wild animals often wander into urban areas, it’s important to know what to do when you encounter them. There are more than 10 smooth-coated otter families in Singapore, in areas such as Sungei Buloh, Pasir Ris, Marina Bay and Changi, where they occupy mangroves, coasts, reservoirs, rivers and canals. Wild Singapore – Where to See Otters, Dugongs & Pangolin Otters. “Marina Bay, including Kallang and Singapore Rivers, are the best places to see the otters as there are permanent resident families there,” explains Sivasothi. Jurong Lake. Like what you see here? The Bishan otters went south to prime territory Marina Bay and displaced the Marina otters. Otters are seen fleetingly, especially in … The rescue centre currently houses 105 exotic wild animals from the illegal wildlife trade. These air-breathing mammals live underwater and exist on a diet of seagrass. 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. 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. Orangutans. If the animal looks distressed, lost or trapped call our 24hr wildlife rescue hotline 9783 7782 for assistance. Singapore once hosted a significant tiger population during early colonial times. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm displayed for this ‘sport’ led the tigers to extinction in Singapore, with our last wild tiger killed in the 1930s. Jog or cycle 15 kilometres along the perimeters of Marina Bay to meet the Singapore otters. Get parenting tips and stories straight to your inbox! These social animals usually live in family groups. The otters have become a popular local and international attraction since they were first spotted in 2014. Singapore Garden By The Bay. Otters had almost disappeared from Singapore by the 1970s, due to waterway pollution. They’ve also been seen at East Coast Park and Changi Beach. Ms Anbarasi Boopal, Deputy Chief Executive of ACRES, explains their guidelines: “When sighting wildlife, the golden rules are to appreciate from a distance and never to feed them. Dugongs often travel hundreds of kilometres for food and are difficult to find in the wild. In Alaska, there are more than 90,000 otters. The smooth-coated otters were residents in the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve in 1998, and the small-clawed otters have been around Pulau Tekong since the 1980s. . Co-existing with humans in these urban areas does present some problems. In 2017, several were spotted near Pasir Ris Park, prompting warning signs at the beach. This combination of factors has led to their critically endangered status. Wild Singapore – Where to See Otters, Dugongs & Pangolin, Traditional Foodie Gifts for the New Year. It’s thought the population is in the low hundreds.” A few live at Central Catchment Nature Reserve (MacRitchie Reservoir), and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. While listed as critically endangered in Singapore, they are most regularly seen at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and have been seen there since 1990s. Wild boar SINGAPORE: Three otters were spotted in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District on Sunday (Oct 28), swimming in a water feature … Singapore’s numerous nature reserves and coastal areas are also home to rare and endangered animals, from long-tailed macaques, to turtles, monkeys, crocs, pangolins and the famous otter families. There are several monkey species in Singapore, of which the Long-tailed Macaque is the most common. Once thought to be extinct in Singapore, wild otters are making a comeback to the urban city state. Took this picture of otters frolicking on a #jalanjalan at the Singapore Botanic Gardens in March. Join our mailing list here. Singapore is home to Estuarine Crocodiles, also known as saltwater crocodiles, which can grow to over five metres. Members of the Ottercity online community yesterday called on people suggesting the otters be hunted down and killed actually find some of the … The larger group on the right is the Bishan family, the largest family of otters in Singapore. In recent years they’ve been spotted off Pulau Ubin. A population of 70 otters in Singapore is small compared to the hundreds of thousands lost across China. They are also slow breeders, with only one or two babies per year. It will another lovely eye-opener for otter watchers in Singapore! Trails have been seen off Changi, Pulau Ubin, Pulau Sekudu, Pasir Ris and the Southern Islands. In 2017, the AVA received over 160 complaints about monkey attacks and behaviour. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae.The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine, with diets based on fish and invertebrates.Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals. Small-clawed otters weigh around 5kg each and have been seen on offshore islands such as Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin in recent decades. teamseagrass.blogspot.com. This otter species is the biggest in Southeast Asia, with a length of 1 to 1.3 metres, including its tail, and weighs up to 11 kilograms. If you find crocodiles in an urban area, call the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) on 1800 476 1600. Get parenting tips and stories straight to your inbox! 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