Due to excessive poaching, and the loss of habitats, many animals have turned extinct or endangered.
Most of these animals can never be seen again by our future generations. Our project aims to enlighten
people on these bad habits. These are just a few examples of endangered species in Singapore alone:
Chinese Egret
(Egretta Eulophotes)
This full-crested, yellow bill, white egret
breeds in Russia, North Korea, South
Korea and mainland China. After
breeding, they would migrate south to
the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and
Singapore through Japan.
Singapore Freshwater Crab
(Johora Singaporensis)
This crab is endangered and also
only found in Singapore. It grows to a
maximum of 30mm, is a nocturnal
animal and feeds on detritus and
oligochaete worms.
Dugong
(Dugong dugon)
Majority of this species is found in the
Northern waters of Australia, but there are
rare sightings of dugongs in Singapore, mostly
on offshore islands like Chek Jawa. Dugongs
are herbivores and feed on sea-grass, and are
also known as ‘Sea Cows’.
Straw-Headed Bulbul
(Pycnonotus zeylanicus)
This species of songbird is found in Brunei,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Burma and
Thailand. It is endangered due to habitat
loss and poaching.
How do we stop poaching?
The public can play a role by reporting people they have seen
poaching. There are also certain groups and organizations that hunt
down poachers. Most importantly, to stop poaching, the demand for
that animal must be reduced in order to stop poachers.
How can we minimize habitat loss?
We can help reduce pollution that can damage wildlife and habitat.
When undergoing construction on property, make sure sediments
and pollutants do not affect nearby water sources. Also, we could
help prevent the spread of invasive species in natural habitats
around your neighbourhood. Lastly, when we see logs or large
pieces of wood, do not pick them up thinking it is good, as they
actually slow down the water and creates a sheltered pool for fishes.
Currently, there are laws protecting these
endangered animals. An agreement called
CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species in Wild Fauna and Flora)
has been signed by 160 countries, and
Singapore is one of those countries. CITES
controls how much endangered animals we
use so that we will not use them to the point
of extinction.
Hence, Singapore must enforce the law to
ensure that no illegal trade happens, and if it
does, the people involved will be fined,
jailed or both.
There are also groups who do research to
find out how the animals are traded illegally,
educating people about saving these
animals and work with the government to
get better laws and enforcement.
By:
Jerroy Chang (4) of
1I3
Ryan Ong (15) of 1I3