Written answer by Ministry of National Development on funding of tree pruning works aimed at modifying habitats of wild birds

Nov 8, 2022

Mr Murali Pillai: To ask the Minister for National Development how are works undertaken by Town Councils in HDB estates to prune trees with a view to reducing or modifying the habitats of wild birds at the request of NParks, which bears the responsibility for the management of wild bird populations, funded.

Answer:

Town Councils (TCs) are responsible for managing the common property within HDB estates, including the maintenance of greenery. To support TCs on their greenery management efforts, NParks shares best practices and guidelines with them. This includes advice on how to reduce bird-related disamenities to residents, by pruning trees to discourage roosting, or planting species that are less attractive to birds such as mynas and crows. 

2        To meet such operational responsibilities, TCs can make use of their operating fund. NParks will continue to support TCs with advice on their greenery maintenance efforts. We will also continue to mitigate pest bird-related issues through our community- and science-based approach, which comprises measures such as food source reduction, public education on the negative impact of illegal bird-feeding, and enforcement against such acts.