Interactions between people and wildlife have been an evolving aspect of Singapore's history. As a rapidly urbanising nation, the city-state has experienced a significant transformation of its natural habitats, leading to complex interactions between humans and wildlife. The island's unique geographical location and tropical climate have all played a role in shaping these interactions. The history of urban wildlife interactions in Singapore can be traced back to the mid-19th century. In John Crawfurd's Descriptive Dictionary of the Indian Islands and Adjacent Countries (1856), he describes the wide variety of species of fauna he spotted during his time in Singapore. As the second Resident of Singapore, he noted many descriptions on the types of animals he observed. Most notably, he noted the presence of tigers prevalent throughout the island.
Types of animals
Tigers Tigers (Panthera tigris) were one of the most common animals that came into conflict with both the inhabitants of early Singapore as well as the British colonial authorities. These large cats were especially prevalent in the Malay Peninsula as well as Sumatra. The British sought to expand their influence from the main Port of Singapore into the densely populated forests of the island to establish gambier and pepper plantations, these efforts began to encroach on the natural habitats of native tigers on the island. The first incident of a tiger attack within the colony was in September 1831, on a Chinese woodcutter whose body was found near a gambier plantation. Subsequent attacks were reported in local newspapers from 1840 until 1940, increasing the general public's awareness of the possible dangers. William Butterworth, Governor of the Straits Settlements from August 1843 until March 1855, was questioned by the British House of Commons on the tiger attacks happening in the Straits Settlements and specifically, Singapore, to which he estimated the figures of tiger attacks at around 200 deaths per year. Monetary bounties were established for the capture or killing of tigers, going up from $20 to $150, which contributed to a steep decline in the population of tigers on the island. The last recorded instance of a tiger encounter occurred in October 1930, where a tiger was shot in the village of Choa Chu Kang.
Insects Before Singapore's rapid urbanisation, the island was covered in dense tropical rainforests. This natural environment provided a haven for a diverse range of insects, playing essential roles in the ecosystem, such as to nutrient cycling, pollination, and serving as food sources for other animals. The British colonial period witnessed a dramatic transformation of Singapore's landscape. Deforestation, land reclamation, and the construction of infrastructure created new habitats for insects, while also increasing human-insect contact. For instance, ants have long been a part of Singapore's urban landscape. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, from dense forests to urban areas, has ensured their continued presence. In the past, ants were primarily seen as agricultural pests, damaging crops and invading homes. However, as Singapore modernised, their role shifted. Urban development created new niches for ants, such as cracks in buildings and sewers. Termites, also known colloquially as white ants, were vilified by British authorities for the damage they caused to wooden property. This negative portrayal contributed to the perception of these insects as a threat to colonial rule, necessitating a comprehensive approach to dampen the effects of these insects. British colonial authorities responded to these health threats by implementing public health measures, such as draining swamps, spraying insecticides, and promoting personal hygiene. After Singapore gained independence in 1965, the government prioritised urban development and modernisation. This included a strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene. Public health campaigns were launched to educate the population about the importance of proper sanitation, waste management, and pest control. The National Environment Agency (NEA), established in 1971, has played a crucial role in managing Singapore's urban environment and combating insect pests. The NEA implemented various strategies, such as integrated pest management (IPM), to control insect populations while minimising the use of harmful chemicals. However, the challenge of managing insect populations still remains as the nation-state continues to grow.
History of notable incidents
1819-1965: Colonial Singapore
(1902) Tiger spotted in the Raffles Hotel In August 1902, a tiger escaped from a circus performing nearby at the end of Beach Road. The Raffles Hotel, was a luxurious hotel on the same street, with parts of the building under renovation that day. The tiger wandered near the Singapore Volunteer Corps Drill Hall, before allegedly scratching a watchman on a towboat. It was then sighted swimming into the Singapore River, and made its way towards Raffles Hotel. As the Bar & Billiard Room in the Raffles Hotel was closing for the night, the bartender's helper spotted the tiger resting in the basement of the room. Hotel management was informed by the next day in the early morning and requested for Charles McGowan Phillips, the headmaster of Raffles Institution and an experienced shooter, to dispatch the tiger under the Bar & Billiard Room. Phillips showed up to the Raffles Hotel with his Lee-Enfield rifle. Immediately after he spotted the tiger in the basement, he fired three shots from his rifle which all missed, presumably due to the lack of light in the room. Phillips took aim again, then fired another shot, which struck the tiger, before putting it down with a final round from his rifle. The tale of the tiger in the Raffles Hotel was often retold and dramaticised over the decades, with the Raffles Hotel often publicising the incident through merchandise or events.
1965-present: Post-independence Singapore
… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.
