#3 Common palm civet
Also known as the toddy cat or luwak, this stealthy
fruit-lover is found in forests and low-rise housing
estates, running along electricity lines, scouting
for fruit, insects or small animals. Its bandit-like
appearance comes from the distinctive black
“mask” across the eyes. Recently, civets face a new
threat in some Asian countries. The trade in Kopi
Luwak sees caged civets used to process coffee
beans through their digestive systems, with the
civets often eventually dying.
Safari tips: Seek them out in Bukit Batok Nature
Park, Siglap Estate, Bukit Timah, Portsdown and
the Southern Ridges. Search at night near fruit trees
or fishtail palms. Keep your nose alert, too – civets
give off the smell of pandan.
#4 Wild pig
Common in the
wooded areas on
Pulau Ubin and
increasingly common
on the main island,
these ancestors of
domestic pigs are
native to Singapore. Pigs
recolonised the main island by
swimming across from the outer islands and Johor,
and are now breeding in the forests.
Safari tips: Pulau Ubin near Chek Jawa and Pasir
Ris Park are hotspots for wild pigs. Observe from
a distance, especially when piglets are present.
Remember, never feed wild animals as this leads
to aggressive behaviour.#5 Pied oriental hornbill
Also common on Pulau Ubin, this large black and
white bird has a distinctive “casque” on its head.
Rediscovered in 1994, the bird had been absent
from Singapore for 70 years. The main problem
was a lack a large trees with suitable hollows for
nesting. However, with the help of artificial nesting
boxes, the birds are becoming quite widespread
with around 100 now found in Singapore.Safari tips: Other than Pulau Ubin, hornbills
can now be found at Changi Village near the
food centre, in East Coast Park and sometimes
breeding in the Botanic Gardens, just outside the
visitor centre.CITY GUIDE 2018 233RECHARGE & UNWIND