Forum: NParks continues to explore new measures to reduce wildlife-traffic incidents

We thank Mr Wong Wei Feng for his feedback (Develop road mortality framework to protect wildlife, April 14).

Over the years, the National Parks Board (NParks) has been working to introduce various measures as part of its holistic biodiversity conservation approach to strengthen ecological connectivity for wildlife to move safely between our green spaces.

These include working with relevant agencies such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to implement wildlife crossing aids such as the Eco-Link@BKE and underground culverts. NParks also conducted an Ecological Profiling Exercise in 2021 to better understand how we can ensure ecological connectivity between key habitats while balancing development needs.

In addition, there are mitigating measures in place, especially in areas known to be rich in biodiversity. For example, we have worked with LTA to implement speed regulating strips along designated stretches of roads with higher frequencies of animal sightings to remind motorists to reduce their speed and drive with care in these areas.

NParks is also extending exclusion fencing to nine locations, which are mostly identified as higher-risk areas, to deter wildlife from accessing the road.

This is due to be completed this year. 

We will continue to explore solutions to reduce vehicular-wildlife collisions, such as leveraging technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve our monitoring of wildlife movements near roads to reduce roadkill incidents.

Motorists should be alert to wildlife when driving along roads flanked by forested areas, especially where there are signs to indicate wildlife crossings. 

Members of the public are reminded not to handle injured wild animals on their own.

For urgent reports of wildlife requiring rescue, they may contact NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600.

How Choon Beng
Group Director, Wildlife Management
National Parks Board