Page 10 - KEW News 2020-12 Final
P. 10
Information and images courtesy of NParks Singapore.
Co-existence can be achieved
Trapping and culling of macaques are not sustainable. We can live harmoniously with our wild neighbours if we adopt good practices.
What to do
during monkey encounters?
On 20th November residents sighted a monkey at unit 111. NParks is currently monitoring the situation in our area. The monkey was a lone transient male monkey. Due to the social dynamics in monkey troops, male monkeys are often pushed out of their family groups to search for a new troop and territory. This is a natural behaviour where they would have to pass through urban environments en route to the nearby forest plots.
If there is no easily accessible food source in the area, the monkey won’t stay around - he will move away. We can help to guide this animal back to its natural habitat by making sure no food items are left in sight. Consider keeping doors and windows closed and don’t under any circumstances feed monkeys. The Wildlife Act prohibits the feeding of all wildlife across the whole of Singapore. Fines can be up to $10,000.
Monkeys are generally not aggressive unless provoked. It is advisable to keep a distance away, remain calm and avoid eye contact. Monkeys are more curious and opportunistic. Food cues such as plastic bags should be kept out of sight.
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Housekeeping