Wildlife Management Notes Primates Against Plastic..

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT NOTES – PRIMATES AGAINST PLASTICS

Today, we talk about one of the most significant global issues, plastics. But, not quite in the way you think it to be.

Imagine walking through one of our gorgeous nature reserves, just taking in the trilling bird calls, the cacophony of insect noises, and maybe even the lapping of water in the reservoir. You find a nice bench and think that it is an idyllic and quiet spot of a quick sit-down and snack. You reach into your bag and pull out a crinkly plastic bag containing your snacks. And suddenly, you are not alone.

Why and how have some of our local macaques developed an affinity for plastic bags?

Feeding of macaques is a prevalent problem here, and this causes many issues for both animals and humans. Macaques who are used to human handouts learn to associate humans with food. And many a time, this food comes from a very obvious and crinkly single-use plastic bag. As intelligent creatures, this association leads to macaques approaching the sounds and sights of a plastic bag, any plastic bag. Highly habituated macaques even stay close to paths and roads, waiting to be fed. Not only does this intimidate some of the walkers/joggers, but roadside macaques are in great danger of being victims of road traffic accidents when they approach vehicles for food.

In addition to potentially handing out unhealthy food to our native wildlife, it also inconveniences other park-goers as habituated macaques approach humans with food.

So, if you are visiting a nature park or traversing a place that has macaques, be sure to stow your plastics away, and to carry your items in non-transparent bags. We have also attached some advisories below, should you encounter a macaque on your walks, or in your neighbourhood.

Under the new Wildlife Act, anyone caught feeding monkeys is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000 for a first offence, and a fine not exceeding $10,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and under the Parks and Trees Act, anyone caught feeding wildlife is liable to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. If you see a feeder, remind them of the law and the fines, or feel free to report them via the #OneService app or calling NParks (1800-471-7300), so that the matter can be looked into.

Photo credits with thanks for the macaque images: Amos Chua and Glendon Kee, from post on Raffles’ Banded Langurs Raffles’ Banded Langurs

#Coexistence is possible, but only when everyone plays their part.

#ACRES

#Singapore

#HumanMacaqueConflict

#ACRESWMTNotes

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522/101..

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ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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