What has been done in Singapore

NGO

  • WAZA Conservation Project 11011 implemented by Marcus Aik Hwee Chua from the National University of Singapore, with supported provided by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (2011 WRSCF grant) and involvement of National Parks Board Singapore

The project studies various aspects of the ecology of leopard cats in Pulau Mekong and possible population in western catchment areas, including their population size, distribution, diet and genetic variation. Findings could shed significant information on the biology of this threatened species and contribute greatly to conservation efforts of Singapore’s last wild cat.

Legislation

  • Eco-link@ BKE- Wildlife would be able to move between the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves. With hopes that the Eco-Link@BKE would also bring about greater interaction between individuals leading to a healthy exchange of genetic materials, thereby reducing the occurrence of inbreeding and increasing the long-term survival of our native species.
    Eco_Link_BKE_Reconnecting_our_Biodiversity-_img7
  • Leopard cats are protected by law in Singapore under the Wild Animals and Birds Act and listed in Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Singapore became a Signatory to CITES in November 1986 and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority is the Management Authority responsible for the implementation and enforcement of CITES in Singapore. However, commercial trade is still allowed with proper CITES permits.

The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act Cap 92A [ESA] was enacted in 1989 to give legal effect to the implementation and enforcement of the Convention in Singapore.

“Any person or company caught violating the ESA is liable to be prosecuted in Court and fined up to a maximum of S$50,000 for each animal or plant (but not to exceed in the aggregate S$500,000) and/or to imprisonment for a term up to 2 years.”

Under the Wild Animals and Birds Act, it is an offence for any person to kill, take or keep any wild animal or bird, other than those specified in the Schedule such as mynas, pigeons and crows, without a license. Any person found doing so shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$1,000 and to the forfeiture of the animal.

Life of animal undervalued compared to human life.

The public can call AVA at Tel: 63257625 should they see any suspected poaching activities, with the following information:
–    Type of animals poached;
–    Location of the animal poaching activity;
–    Frequency of poaching;
–    Description of accompanying vehicles used for the activity (model, colour, licence number);
–    Other useful information (photographs, equipments used for poaching, poachers description);
–    Contact details of informant

More information on http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/CITESEndangeredSpecies/