Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on working with animal experts to educate the community on how to respond and play their part to reduce or prevent the number of sightings in residential areas

Jan 4, 2021

Mr Christopher de Souza: To ask the Minister for National Development what is being done to work with animal experts to educate the community on how to respond to a wildlife sighting and how to play their part to reduce or prevent the number of sightings in residential areas, especially in reducing unintentional access to food in residential properties.

Answer:

Feeding by humans encourages wildlife to venture out of their natural habitat and is the main reason for the increased sightings in residential areas. The unintentional provision of food, arising from improper refuse management or littering, can also attract wildlife to residential areas.  

NParks works closely with other public agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations and academic institutions with the relevant expertise, to educate the community on these issues. For example, NParks works with stakeholders to develop educational resources, signs, and outreach initiatives to advise the community on how to respond to wildlife sightings, and to raise public awareness on the negative impact of feeding wildlife. In addition, NParks partners NEA, SFA, Town Councils, and Resident and Neighbourhood Committees, to educate the community on proper refuse management. 

NParks also monitors feeding hotspots and will take enforcement action where necessary. It works with agencies and Town Councils to encourage proper food waste management at food establishments and to enforce against littering.

All of us need to play our part to contribute to harmonious co-existence with wildlife. We can do this by not feeding wildlife, keeping our residential areas clean, and appreciating wildlife from a safe distance. Members of the public may also call the 24-hour Animal Response Centre helpline at 1800-476-1600 to report wildlife feeding activities.