Singapore’s urban landscape blends modern development with natural green spaces, making wildlife encounters, including monkeys, common. These primates are often seen in parks, nature reserves, and residential areas. Understanding their presence and behaviors helps foster harmonious coexistence.
Identifying Singapore’s Common Monkeys and Where They Live
The Long-tailed Macaque, Macaca fascicularis, is Singapore’s most frequently encountered monkey species. They have olive-brown fur, paler underneath, and greyish faces with prominent white eyelids. Males often have a distinct mustache, while females have a beard. Their long tails, usually 50-60 cm, aid their balance.
These adaptable primates naturally inhabit forested areas and mangroves. They are found in nature reserves like Bukit Timah and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, as well as parks and offshore islands such as Sentosa and Pulau Ubin. With increasing urban development, long-tailed macaques have also moved into urban fringe areas.
Life in the Troop: Behavior and Diet
Long-tailed macaques are highly social, living in troops of 15 to 30 individuals. These troops are composed of multiple adult males and females, with a higher proportion of females. Within the troop, a linear hierarchy exists, particularly among males, based on age, size, and fighting ability.
They forage, groom, rest, and play. Grooming is a significant social activity, strengthening bonds within the troop. While primarily arboreal, they also forage on the ground. Their natural diet is omnivorous, consisting of plants such as fruits, leaves, and flowers, alongside small animals such as insects, spiders, and small reptiles.
Navigating Interactions with Humans
Interactions between long-tailed macaques and humans arise when monkeys associate humans with food. This habituation occurs when monkeys are fed, leading them to venture into residential areas and public spaces. Common issues include macaques rummaging through unsecured bins, snatching food, and entering homes through open windows or doors.
While macaques are not inherently aggressive, aggressive behaviors can occur if provoked, cornered, or threatened. These responses are learned, especially when conditioned to associate human presence with food. Carrying plastic bags openly can attract their attention as they may associate them with food, leading to snatching attempts. Such interactions can lead to complaints from residents and result in the macaques being trapped or even culled.
Guidelines for Living Alongside Monkeys
To promote peaceful coexistence with Singapore’s wild monkey population, do not feed monkeys. Feeding them alters their natural foraging behaviors and draws them closer to human settlements. In Singapore, feeding wildlife, including monkeys, is prohibited under the Parks and Trees Act and can result in fines. Accustomed to human food, monkeys may lose their natural foraging instincts, impacting their role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
To prevent unwanted encounters, keep all food items out of sight and secure. Monkeys have learned to associate plastic bags with food, so use backpacks when in areas known for monkey presence. Secure bins with bungee cords and ensure windows and doors are closed, especially if you live near nature areas, to prevent monkeys from entering homes.
When encountering a monkey, maintain a safe distance and avoid making direct eye contact or sudden movements, as these actions can be perceived as threatening. If a monkey approaches or enters your home, remain calm and slowly back away, allowing the monkey an escape route without cornering it. The National Parks Board (NParks) manages human-wildlife interactions and provides public education resources.