More Sunda pangolins stray out of Singapore forests
The Straits Times|September 21, 2024
Study identifies hot spots, which may facilitate protection of these pangolins
Shabana Begum
More Sunda pangolins stray out of Singapore forests

They are one of Singapore's rarest animals, favouring forested areas and moving around only under the cloak of night.

But Sunda pangolins have been spotted in unusual places in recent years, including a busy university campus and even the streets of Katong.

Now, a first-of-its-kind study has shown that these incidents do not just make up the occasional sighting. There has indeed been an upward trend of this critically endangered mammal venturing out of the Republic's forests over the years - and winding up in need of rescue or as roadkill.

Between 1996 and 2021, 316 dead or injured pangolins were recorded islandwide, almost double the 166 healthy ones sighted, found the new study initiated by the Nature Society Singapore (NSS).

The NSS is part of the Singapore Pangolin Working Group, which aims to further pangolin research and conservation. Its member organisations include the National University of Singapore's Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, wildlife rescue group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), Mandai Wildlife Group and the National Parks Board (NParks).

This study, which maps out where the animals have been sighted, rescued or found dead over the 25-year-period, identified pangolin "hot spots", which could pave the way for better protection of these threatened creatures.

It was published in the scientific journal, Oryx - The International Journal of Conservation, on Sept 16.

A total of 482 records were analysed from the records of the working group's organisations, such as Mandai Wildlife Group and Acres, as well as from news reports and social media.

Esta historia es de la edición September 21, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición September 21, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE STRAITS TIMESVer todo
THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT IN STICKY NOTES
The Straits Times

THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT IN STICKY NOTES

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? @SUBWAYTHERAPY

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
Use of escalators ● Benefits to encouraging standing on both sides
The Straits Times

Use of escalators ● Benefits to encouraging standing on both sides

The recent initiative by Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to encourage standing on both sides of escalators is a sensible move that Singapore could consider adopting.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
The Straits Times

Replies Rentals ● HDB reviewing how data accuracy can be improved

We thank Mr Foo Sing Kheng for his feedback (Rental rates ensure accuracy of data on HDB website, Oct 23).

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
The Straits Times

Singer Karol G apologises for song said to sexualise minors

Colombian reggaeton star Karol G apologised on Nov 11 after her latest song, +57, was criticised for sexualising minors.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
Mattel mistakenly lists porn site on packaging for Wicked dolls
The Straits Times

Mattel mistakenly lists porn site on packaging for Wicked dolls

All may be good in the Land of Oz, but the same cannot be said for the world of Mattel.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
Singer G.E.M. to perform at National Stadium in March
The Straits Times

Singer G.E.M. to perform at National Stadium in March

Hong Kong singer G.E.M. is slated to hold a concert at the National Stadium on March 1, 2025.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
Actress Megan Fox pregnant again after miscarriage
The Straits Times

Actress Megan Fox pregnant again after miscarriage

After a previous miscarriage, American actress Megan Fox is pregnant again. American rapper Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, is reportedly the father, according to US media.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
Singer Yu Tian's son-in-law receives suspended jail sentence for scam involvement
The Straits Times

Singer Yu Tian's son-in-law receives suspended jail sentence for scam involvement

Gary Chen, the son-in-law of famed Taiwanese singers Yu Tian and Li Ya-ping, has been given a suspended jail sentence for his involvement with a scam syndicate.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
Irish pop band The Corrs to hold February concert
The Straits Times

Irish pop band The Corrs to hold February concert

Irish pop quartet The Corrs will be back in Singapore for a concert at The Star Theatre on Feb 13, 2025.

time-read
1 min  |
November 13, 2024
A French veterinary psychiatrist puts cats on the couch in new book
The Straits Times

A French veterinary psychiatrist puts cats on the couch in new book

Even dog people must admit that cats are having a moment.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 13, 2024