POSITIONING NATIVE WILDLIFE IN ASIAN CITIES: HUMAN-WILDLIFE INTERACTIONS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Human-wildlife interactions (HWI) are increasingly being viewed as conflicting in urban environments. To explore the future of coexisting with wildlife in urban landscapes, this dissertation aims to examine the nature of HWI in Singapore. Through secondary data, participant observations and interviews, the dissertation has identified (1) the spatial distribution of native wildlife sightings in both urbanised and nonurbanised parts of Singapore, (2) the wild native species most commonly perceived as problematic and thus likely associated with ‘conflict’ situations, and (3) the factors determining the extent of ‘conflicts’ in Singapore. Apart from providing evidences of the widespread presence and diversity of wildlife in Singapore, the research findings also highlight the importance of considering the human component of HWI, and explain why not all HWI can be classified as human-wildlife conflicts (HWC). By recognising urban wildlife as co-inhabitants, urban residents can then work towards building an inclusive and ethical society that nurtures the possibilities for multi species to flourish. If Singapore is able to successfully build a biophilic City in a Garden, the country can serve as a leading exemplar of biodiversity conservation for other Asian cities to follow.