Long-tailed macaques trapped in cages at Punggol Northshore to be sterilised as part of population control: NParks

A resident at a new Punggol Northshore Build-To-Order (BTO) project found long-tailed macaques trapped in cages in the estate.

Taking to Reddit, the resident shared that they could hear loud screeching noises from the barricaded fitness corner.

When they looked for the source of the noise, some macaques were spotted trapped in cages and a few others roaming around.

Multiple sightings

The resident shared that a residents' Telegram group have also reported numerous monkey sightings.

Some claimed the monkeys appeared at their windows, scaring the children or stealing food.

There were also claims of cars found to be covered with scratches and marks, and one shared a video of a group of monkeys jumping on the cars.

Sterilisation initiative

In response to Mothership's queries, the National Parks Board (NParks) shared that they are working with the relevant authorities and community leaders to expand outreach and engagement with residents at Punggol Northshore about what to do when encountering these monkeys.

The group director of wildlife management at NParks, How Choon Beng, said the authorities are sterilising long-tailed macaques, including the populations at Coney Island Park and the Punggol vicinity, as a long-term measure for population control.

The sterilisation programme started in late 2023 after extensive research and science-based assessment.

"The programme is ongoing and will be monitored over time as a long-term management measure," said How.

NParks is also enhancing the habitat at Coney Island Park by planting more native fruit-bearing trees, which are natural food sources for the monkeys.

Do not feed the monkeys

On top of all this, NParks said it is conducting feeding enforcement patrols to look out for feeding activity.

It added: "We strongly urge members of public not to feed macaques, as it alters their natural foraging behaviour, habituates them to human presence, and leads them to rely on humans for easy source of food."

NParks advised the public to remain calm and quiet, avoid sudden movements, and avoid eye contact with macaques.

The public should keep away from the area until the monkeys have left.

Macaques have also associated plastic bags with the presence of food and will try to snatch them if they see them.

Members of the public are advised to keep plastic bags out of sight of macaques when spotted.

For wildlife-related issues, the public can call the 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.

Top photos via random_avocado/Reddit