You might not be able to find some of these local endangered species anywhere else in the world.
From 1970 to 2014 alone, WWF’s Living Planet Report 2018 has found an overall decline of 60% in our global biodiversity (download the full report here).
Saying that, all hope is not lost.
Did you know: Singapore is not only home to some of the world’s rarest animals and plants, but is also involved in conservation and recovery efforts in protecting these endangered species, which are precious for the next generations to come.
Below, our list* in order, from the least — to the most — endangered species in Singapore:
10. Cinnamon Bush Frog
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
©Max Khoo/ NParks
The frog species is impacted by the destruction and degradation of forest habitats and is confined mainly to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Conservation Efforts: In Singapore, research on its ecology and translocation efforts are currently being undertaken by NParks as part of a species recovery effort. Singapore’s mature forest habitats are also monitored and conserved to safeguard this species.
9. Harlequin Butterfly
Conservation Status: Endangered
©Max Khoo/ NParks
The Harlequin is a shade-loving jungle butterfly. It is impacted by the destruction and degradation of forest habitats – one of the major threats to biodiversity globally.
A small population of Harlequin butterflies are known to persist in one forested area in Singapore’s western region, with rare sightings of individuals in other forested areas.
Conservation Efforts: In Singapore, ex-situ breeding and reintroduction efforts are currently being undertaken by NParks and the ButterflyCircle as part of a species recovery effort for the Harlequin butterfly.
In the rest of Southeast Asia, WWF’s work to halt land conversion while restoring forests is key to protecting the habitats of such forest-dwelling species.
8. Neptune’s Cup Sponge
Conservation Status: Unknown
©Karenne Tun/ NParks
These goblet-shaped sponges can grow to a large size. In the past, the sponge was harvested by people for museums and private collections, as well as some who used its cup-like structure as babies’ bathtubs.
Conservation Efforts: Five Neptune’s cup sponges have been transplanted to the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. Coupled with efforts to propagate the sponge, these measures help safeguard the species and increase reproduction opportunities.
7. Straw-Headed Bulbul
Conservation Status: Endangered
©Mendis Tan/ NParks
One of the biggest victims of poaching: the melodious-voiced straw-headed bulbul, which has gone extinct from Thailand and most parts of Indonesia.
Related: This rare bird is on China’s shopping cart
Conservation Efforts: Singapore is a global stronghold for this endangered songbird. The nature reserves in which this species is found are currently protected. To further enhance its conservation, other habitats such as parklands are being enhanced and connected with the nature reserves through multi-tiered planting of streetscapes and park connectors.
Regionally, cracking down on Southeast Asia’s illegal bird trade will protect this species from overexploitation.
6. Smooth-Coated Otter
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
©Tan Yong Lin
Everywhere else in Southeast Asia, otters are in greater danger due to habitat loss, pollution and poaching for the illegal pet trade.
Conservation Efforts: There is a collective, multi-disciplinary approach towards otter conservation, with the involvement of NParks and the Otter Working Group. With local communities, the group monitors otter populations and movement in Singapore to resolve issues and protect the species.
Want to know the remaining 5 most threatened species in Singapore? Download the full report here.
*This is a joint publication between WWF and Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) which aims to highlight 10 threatened species in Singapore that are currently under active conservation.
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