Wild monkeys in Punggol: The actions of one resident can unleash chaos on a whole block, say experts
Photo: CNA/Ng Jun Sen
NParks said that from January to May this year, they received 280 feedback cases related to macaques in Punggol.
Photo: CNA/Ng Jun Sen
Residents in some areas of Punggol are using chat groups to post about monkey sightings and remind each other to keep windows closed and trash covered.
Photo: CNA reader
F&B establishments in the area similarly have not been spared. Once or twice a week, monkeys break glasses left unattended on the outdoor tables.
Photo: CNA/Ng Jun Sen
An expert said feeding wildlife is partly to blame for monkey home invasions and that all it takes is one person to wreak havoc on a whole block.
Photo: CNA/Eunice Sng
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Straits Times
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Other hotspots include Rifle Range Nature Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Chestnut Nature Park. Even with the decline in cases, every errant visitor runs the risk of endangering themselves and causing lasting damage to their surroundings and the wildlife that live there. Mr Lim said visitors who stray from designated trails risk injuring themselves by getting lost, falling down and encountering wildlife like hornets. He also noted that getting help in such situations can be hampered due to the difficulty of pinpointing their exact locations. In 2021, a man hiking an unmarked trail was trapped in a ditch for about 90 minutes after misjudging its depth, and officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force had to trek about 2km to locate him. Wandering off the beaten path can take a toll on the untouched spaces enjoyed by thrill-seekers. Said Mr Lim: 'Going off-trail may cause damage to the forest floor beside the paths or trails. 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Conservationists suggested that more intensive education efforts and employing community rangers could help deter people from straying. Mrs Shamla Subaraj, who runs Strix Wildlife Consultancy, said: 'Given the recent incidents and safety concerns, more signage noting the risks of entering these nature areas after a stipulated time is needed.' Both she and Dr D'Rozario called for park rangers to patrol the nature reserves, with the option of citizen conservationists joining these patrols as a volunteer. Alternatively, a middle ground could be found for undeterred thrill-seekers in unofficial routes that do not harm wildlife, suggested Mr Chan. He said: 'For those popular 'off trail' routes, perhaps NParks can consider opening it seasonally or running guided nature walks from time to time, like how they do with Chek Jawa Wetlands. 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