Channel NewsAsia 18 Dec 07;
SINGAPORE: Five illegal animal traps have been found on Pulau Ubin since September.
Two were found by the National Parks Board and three by a non-profit organisation, Nature Trekker, Singapore.
NParks will be removing the traps, which are believed to have been set up to trap wild boars. The culprits used coconuts to lure the animals.
It is understood that boar meat fetches between S$10 and S$12 per kilogramme.
NParks said that taking the animals away from their natural habitat will not only decrease the number of animals in that species, but will also adversely affect Singapore's natural heritage.
It said poaching on Pulau Ubin or in parks and nature reserves is illegal under the Parks and Trees Act. Offenders can be fined up to S$50,000, or jailed up to six months, or both.
Since September, NParks has brought three people to court. The trio had been caught for poaching birds and monkeys in its parks and nature reserves.
Since 2000, over 300 people have been fined for poaching fishes and animals in parks and nature reserves.
NParks conducts daily patrols along the main roads and tracks of Pulau Ubin. Ad-hoc patrols are also carried out along more inaccessible trails and areas.
If you see any poaching incidents, you can report them to NParks at 1800-4717300 or you can call the Police. - CNA/vm
