Hidden Wild | David Attenborough's Wild City 1/6 | Go Wild
Go Wild・15 minutes read
Singapore is a densely populated country with a surprising amount of wildlife, including otters adapting to city life and rare nocturnal creatures endangered by habitat loss. Urban development threatens many species, with the Sunai Buloh Wetland Reserve serving as a vital site for both residents and migratory birds.
Insights
- Sunai Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore houses a diverse array of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, smooth-coated otters, Malayan kugos, mudskippers, and fiddler crabs, showcasing a unique and thriving ecosystem within the urban environment.
- Despite facing threats from urban development, Singapore remains a crucial habitat for a variety of endangered species, such as the Sunda pangolin, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable animals and their habitats.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of Sunai Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore?
The Sunai Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore is the largest mangrove ecosystem in the country and serves as a crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, smooth-coated otters, and various bird species. It plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and providing a sanctuary for both resident and migratory animals. Additionally, the reserve offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of Singapore's wild side.
How do smooth-coated otters in Singapore adapt to urban life?
Smooth-coated otters in Singapore have successfully adapted to urban life by returning to habitats like the Sunai Buloh Wetland Reserve, where they have learned to coexist with the city on the fringes. These otters, once locally extinct, have thrived in the reserve by utilizing their hunting skills to consume fish and marking their territory with a scent dance. Their ability to adapt to the changing landscape of Singapore showcases their resilience and survival instincts in the face of urban development.
What challenges do white-bellied sea eagles face in Singapore?
White-bellied sea eagles, the largest raptors in Singapore, face challenges due to urban growth and development in the country. As their natural habitats are affected by human activities, these eagles must adapt their nests to urban environments, leading to potential conflicts with other bird species. Additionally, their chicks may encounter threats from predators like changeable hawk eagles, highlighting the ongoing struggle for survival faced by wildlife in the midst of urbanization.
How does urban development in Singapore impact the local wildlife?
Urban development in Singapore poses a significant threat to the country's wildlife, with over 70% of animal species facing challenges due to habitat loss and fragmentation. As cities expand and natural areas are transformed into urban landscapes, wildlife populations are forced to adapt or face extinction. Species like wild dogs in the northern region of Singapore are among the few survivors in the face of increasing urbanization, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the country's biodiversity.
What is the role of Nanyang Technological University in wildlife conservation in Singapore?
Nanyang Technological University in Singapore plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation by conducting research and studies on rare and endangered species like the elusive Sunda pangolin. As these nocturnal creatures face threats from habitat loss and poaching, the university's efforts shed light on the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting vulnerable wildlife populations. By raising awareness and promoting conservation initiatives, Nanyang Technological University contributes to the ongoing efforts to safeguard Singapore's natural heritage for future generations.
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Summary
00:00
Singapore's Wild Side: Diverse Wildlife Survival
- Singapore, a densely populated country with 5.4 million people, still harbors a wild side with 40,000 species of animals and plants.
- Sunai Buloh Wetland Reserve, the largest mangrove ecosystem in Singapore, is home to saltwater crocodiles, the world's largest living reptiles.
- Smooth-coated otters, once locally extinct, returned to Sunai Buloh 20 years ago, adapting to city life on the fringes.
- Pulau Ubin, an island 20 minutes from the mainland, offers a glimpse of 1960s Singapore with forest raiders like wild boars.
- Malayan kugos, expert gliders, navigate the forest canopy, covering over 130 meters in a single jump.
- Mudskippers, fish that walk on land, build pools for breeding, while fiddler crabs use their large claws to attract mates.
- Smooth-coated otters, skilled fish hunters, consume about 1 kilogram of fish daily, facing threats from Malayan water monitors.
- White-bellied sea eagles, the largest raptors in Singapore, adapt nests to urban growth, with chicks facing challenges like changeable hawk eagles.
- Urban development in Singapore threatens over 70% of the country's animals, with wild dogs surviving in the northern region.
- Nanyang Technological University in Singapore reveals rare nocturnal creatures like the elusive Sunda pangolin, critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
41:06
Sunai Buluo: Singapore's Diverse Wildlife Haven
- Singapore, with an average daily temperature of 27°, is a welcoming island known for its diverse population and as a stopover and holiday destination. In September, the Sunai Buluo mud flats attract migratory birds like red shanks from Russia, offering a tropical haven. The Fiddler couple, showcasing the best meals in town, face challenges during a lunch date as the male's claw, once an attraction, hinders his eating speed. Despite this, the Sunai Buluo Wetland Reserve, established in 1989, remains a vital international site for these visitors and residents, including the Otop pack of smooth-coated otters who mark their territory with a scent dance, asserting their presence in Singapore's urban landscape.
