Forum: Do more to manage macaque behaviour at parks

As a regular runner in the Central Catchment parks for decades, I have watched the relationship between park users and macaques change considerably.

There was a time when families could picnic relatively freely in these parks.

Today, increasingly bold macaque behaviour is creating situations that deserve attention, particularly from a public safety perspective.

I have seen macaques snatching items, including milk bottles from prams of parents pushing toddlers. The macaques approach boldly, creating potentially dangerous close encounters with young children.

I frequently encounter macaques sitting on paths and refusing to move, forcing me and other joggers to stop or swerve suddenly to avoid injuring the animals or their tails.

Macaques have also learnt to overcome some weighted rubbish-bin covers, overturning them and scattering refuse.

Public education about not feeding macaques and securing food remains important. But if macaque behaviour continues to adapt, that may not be enough.

Can NParks and wildlife experts review whether additional measures, including macaque-resistant bins and better protection around high-conflict areas, are now needed?

Steven Quek Chin Hwee