OWN

Not only is Singapore home to a population of 5.7 million people, it is also home to a large variety of native wildlife. As we progress towards a City in Nature, it is common for people to encounter monitor lizards at fish ponds, a reticulated python travelling through our waterways, a flock of hornbills at a coffee shop, or for people to be awoken by the ‘uwu’ bird. 
 
However, it isn’t always easy to live with our wild neighbours. The Urban Wildlife Working Group (UWG) is a collaboration of multiple stakeholders for the conservation and management of low-profile native urban wildlife in Singapore, and seeks solutions for wildlife conflict, rescue, rehabilitation and release.

 

Every month, members of the UWG receive an average of 2500 calls from the public about wild animals. Over time, we learnt that issues around human-wildlife encounters often stem from a lack of understanding and preparedness about Singapore’s native wildlife. 

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Thus, in April 2022, UWG members together with other partners in the nature community launched the Our Wild Neighbours (OWN) initiative – a consolidated, country-wide outreach programme to promote coexistence with Singapore’s native wildlife.