NParks sterilising long-tailed macaques at Maju Forest to manage population

Long-tailed macaques living in Maju Forest, Singapore, are being sterilised as part of a population management initiative. The National Parks Board (NParks) initiated the programme in June after receiving resident complaints about the primates entering homes near Sunset Way, Clementi Road, and Clementi Avenue 4. NParks wildlife management group director How Choon Beng explained that the board is collaborating with authorities and the community on a multi-faceted approach, including minimizing human food sources, conducting outreach to educate residents on safe interactions with macaques, and implementing monkey guarding patrols.

The success of the sterilisation programme depends on factors beyond population control. Primatologist Andie Ang emphasized the importance of preserving sufficient habitats for native species and maintaining consistent monkey guarding efforts in hotspot areas. She also stressed the need for community engagement through town halls to explain guidelines for dealing with macaques and the sterilisation programme.

ACRES, a wildlife advocacy group, warned that sterilisation could lead to fragmented macaque troops, which can be problematic in urban environments where displaced primates might struggle to survive on their own.

Maju Forest has seen frequent macaque sightings, with residents reporting encounters up to three times a week. Some residents have taken precautions, such as ensuring windows are closed and not leaving food on patios. Despite these precautions, some macaques have been observed in unexpected places, like the Cold Storage supermarket.

Another concern is the potential displacement of macaques when redevelopment projects occur in the area. NParks has been conducting population surveys and scientific modelling to determine the best approach for managing the macaque population in Punggol, another hotspot for macaque-human interactions.