Singapore's wildlife is diversified, home to quite a few exotic animals. If you are visiting this beautiful country then do not miss out on the beautiful flora and fauna. Even though Singapore never had a lot of biodiversity, recent changes and move towards urbanization has further made many species extinct. According to a report via Animal Planet, 28% of species have gone extinct. However, the places for wildlife in Singapore are well taken care of and you can experience the best of it here.
Wildlife of Singapore
In Singapore, one can easily find Orangutans, White tigers, otters, dolphins, monkeys, elephants and civets. Among fish, one can find Clown Featherback, Asian Arowana, Spotted Eel Loach and Six Banded Barb. The birds found here throughout the year are Eurasian Wigeon, Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Pied Harrier, while many birds migrate here from season to season.
1. Lesser Mouse-Deer
The Lesser Mousedeer - a species from the Mousedeer family (Source)
An endangered species of Mouse-deer, the Lesser Mouse-deer majorly feeds on fruits and leaves. Having a small almost oval-shaped body they are no taller than 48 cm. One of their abilities is to be able to hide quite stealthily. Found in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, this exotic animal is one of the unique parts of the wildlife of Singapore.
2. Singapore Whiskered Myotis
The Singapore Whiskered Myotis - A small species of the bat family (Source)
These species belong to the Vesper bats family, though are really small. These insectivorous bats are often found rolled up in a banana leaf. This fascinating species is only a part of the wildlife of Singapore, hence the name.
3. Banded Leaf Monkey
The Banded Leaf Monkey - An endangered species found in Singapore (Source)
Also known as Raffles' Banded Langur (named after Sir Stamford Raffles who discovered them), these are one of the three non-human primates to be found locally. This unique wildlife of Singapore is, unfortunately, on the verge of extinction. With only 30-40 of these monkeys left, they are a natural treasure which must be protected.
4. Dugong
Dugong - The last four species of the Sea Cows (Source)
A marine mammal, Dugong is the only living representative of the Dugongidae family found in the Lion City. Measuring around 2.4 to 2.7 metres, an adult Dugong could weigh around 300 kgs and has an average life of 70 years in the wild. This majestic aquatic species of wildlife in Singapore is one of the last four species of Sirenia or Sea Cows.
5. Wild Pig
Wild Pig - Often found in the Pulau Ubin region (Source)
One can easily spot a wild pig on the mainland of Singapore. Descended from native pigs from Indonesia, these pigs can be found in the wooded areas on Pulau Ubin. They can be quite feral, so approach with caution if you spot one.
6. Pied Oriental Hornbill
The Pied Oriental Hornbill with yellow and red-hued beaks (Source)
One of the best places to take a look at this beautiful Indo-Malaysian species of wildlife in Singapore is the Jurong Bird Park. With their huge yellow and red-hued beaks, this is a canopy bird which belongs to the Bucerotidae family. This beautiful bird also goes by Sunda pied hornbill and Malaysian pied hornbill.
7. Sea turtle
The Hawkbill Sea Turtle (Source)
Of the seven species of sea turtles in the world, you can find the green sea turtles on the shores of Singapore., near the Sisters Islands Marine Park. These beautiful reptiles also give nests around the islands.
8. Dolphins
The playful Dolphins
An all-time favourite among any animal lovers, you can spot Dolphins on the Sentosa Island in Singapore. Here you can meet the bottlenose dolphins up close and also interact with them. Dolphin Island is one of the biggest attractions among children, where they offer interaction for kids even younger than four along with underwater interaction. Did you know that this species of wildlife in Singapore is the second most intelligent species on the planet?
9. Flying Lemurs
Colugo - Malaysian Flying Lemur (Source)
This species of colugo is also known as Malayan flying lemur or Malayan colugo. Despite its name, the Flying Lemur is neither a lemur nor does it fly. Instead, this nocturnal animal glides between trees making it a unique species of wildlife in Singapore.
10. Bull sharks
The innocent-looking yet dangerous Bull Shark (Source)
This prodigious mammal is a sight to behold if you have the good luck of seeing one and making it out alive. This species of wildlife in Singapore is more likely to attack humans than most, and have been spotted in the waters near Singapore, especially in the reefs during intertidal trips.
11. Otters
The adorable looking Otters (Source)
These cute little moustached friends could be found roaming the streets of Singapore quite easily. The Asian small-clawed otter are not that common but could be found as well.
Places to Spot Wildlife in Singapore
1. Kranji Marshes
Kranji Marshes - A National Reserve of Singapore (Source)
This national reserve is Singapore's largest freshwater marshland which covers an area of 56.8 hectares. It displays much biodiversity having over 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies, with a wide variety of reptiles. The special attractions here are the White-bellied Sea Eagle and a Purple Swamphen. During the migration season, from November to March, one may also see some visiting species of raptors. From the top of their raptor tower, one has a gorgeous view of the marshland. They have programs such as a tour cum walk in the evening and a guided tour of the western part of Kranji Marshes is also available. The western area is not accessible to visitors without supervision as they have shy marshland birds which may get disturbed. This is one of the best places to observe wildlife in Singapore.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Address: Turut Track, Singapore Entry Fees: No Entry fees
2. Central Catchment Nature Reserve
The dense forest of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (Source)
Covering over 2000 hectares of the area, this is the largest nature reserve and an ideal place to experience the wildlife of Singapore. The Central Catchment Nature Reserve has been home to many endangered species along with the last remnants of Dipterocarp forests in small patches. They have many nature trails to discover the beauty of this reserve and is a famous spot for cycling as well. The treetop walk, a 250-metre bridge between two high points is a thrilling experience which you should not miss out on.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Address: 601 Island Club Road (Located close to Singapore Island Country Club, via Venus Drive ) Entry Fees: Available via email
The colourful species of Jurong Bird Park (Source)
Located in Jurong, this bird park has 400 vibrant species of birds for nature enthusiasts. Jurong Bird Park is Asia’s biggest aviary covering an area of 20.2 hectares and is home to around 5000 birds. Opened in 1971, it received the Breeders’ Award from the American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society for being the first park to breed Malayan black hornbill and twelve-wired bird of Paradise. The tickets to the park are valid for 180 days from the day of the visit and also provides pick up services from the city starting from 9:00 AM in the morning. The park various tours for viewing the exquisite wildlife of Singapore with different prices ranging from SGD 38 to SGD 250.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Address: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore Entry Fees: SGD 30 for Adults and SGD 20 for Children
The Singapore Night Safari Tram (Source)
One of the topmost places to view the wildlife of Singapore at a single location, the Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, having around 1.3 million visitors annually. With 900 animals of 100 different species, this park covers an area of 35 hectares, 41% of animal species present here are threatened. Apart from the 40-minute tram ride, walking trails have been carved to explore the park at a leisurely pace. Along with the Creatures of the Night show, you can see the animals in enclosures. One of the major highlights of Singapore Night Safari is the fruit bats. As flash photography is not allowed, it is best to forgo taking the camera. They also have a dining area which has to be reserved in advance but is a worthwhile experience to eat a delicious gourmet in the middle of the night after experiencing the best of wildlife in Singapore.
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore Entry Fees: SGD 55 for Adults and SGD 39 for Children
Singapore River Safari
Yet another first, the Singapore River Safari is Asia’s first aquatic theme park and aquarium. The park has around 6000 animals out of which there are 40 threatened species. They bring to you the experience of iconic rivers around the world such as Amazon, Mississippi, Mae Klong and Nile. A ten-minute boat ride experience, costing SGD 5, will unveil stunning aquatic wildlife of Singapore such as giant river otters, massive arapaimas and enigmatic electric eels. They also have a panda zone where you can see different species of pandas such as red pandas in their natural habitat.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore Entry Fees: SGD 34 for Adults and SGD 23 for Children
The marshy Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve of Singapore (Source)
Opened in 1993 by the name Nature Park, it was given more area and came to be known as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This national reserve has a rich store of biodiversity and centre of conserving threatened wildlife of Singapore. Covering an area of 202 hectares, it plays an important role in the conservation of migratory birds. You can come across crabs, otters and mud lobsters and birds such as kingfishers and sunbirds in this reserve. It has a number of trails to be explored by the visitors on guided treks. During the migratory season (September to March) you may also find flocks of shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers. This is the best place to explore the marshy species of wildlife in Singapore.
Commonly known as Mandai Zoo, Singapore Zoo occupies an area of 28 hectares, and has 2400 animals of 300 different species out of which 34 per cent are threatened. Based on the open concept design, the rainforest environment of the zoo is home to many tropical animals such as Orangutans, Zebras, Cotton Top Tamarins and White Tiger. They provide camping facilities charging SGD 160 for children and SGD 190 for adults. They also have shows in amphitheatres, where the natives of this zoo show off their skills to the visitors and feeding sessions where you can feed some of the animals yourself.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore Entry Fees: SGD 37 for Adults and SGD 25 for Children
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - Home to 40% native wildlife of Singapore (Source)
This 163 hectares nature reserves allows you to walk or cycle through it while enjoying the stunning wildlife of Singapore. Located at Singapore's highest hill trekking, visiting Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is an exciting experience for the nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. You can enjoy an early weekend morning in the presence of monkeys and vibrant colourful birds here.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM ( open to visitors only on Saturday and Sunday) Address: End of Hindhede Drive Entry Fees: Free
Experiencing the wildlife of Singapore, or of any place, can be a very enriching experience. From petting a deer to seeing a dolphin play, it can help you cherish the vitality of life that the earth holds even more.
