Straits Times Forum 23 Jul 09;
I REGULARLY hike up Bukit Timah Hill for my daily workout. Nature's symphony in the woods, quiet streams, lofty trees, occasional encounters with reptiles and the company of playful monkeys make every trip delightful.
However, I am troubled to see regulars and visitors to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve help themselves to fruit such as wild jackfruit, mangoes and durians. Perhaps there is a thrill to collect seasonal fruit from the wild, but do these people realise that their selfishness will rob certain animals of their natural provision?
If this situation continues unchecked, monkeys, in particular, may turn aggressive towards humans for food. Instinctively, they will scout for other food sources, becoming a nuisance to homes in the vicinity.
I have seen monkeys patrol the overhead bridge, studying how to get into Beauty World Shopping Centre. If they succeed, imagine what chaos that will cause.
Sadly, I have come across some long-tail macaques killed on the Pan-Island Expressway near the nature reserve. Were they looking for greener pastures?
Let us be more responsible to the inhabitants of the nature reserve. We must protect these creatures, not deprive them of their food supply. I implore the authorities to monitor the situation and post educational posters to drive home the message.
Simon Nagarajan
Stop picking the wild fruit
Letter from Simon Nagarajan, Today Online 29 Jul 09;
I HIKE up Bukit Timah Hill every day for a workout. Quiet streams, lofty trees and the company of playful monkeys make every trip unique and delightful.
However, I am troubled seeing regulars and visitors to the nature reserve helping themselves to fruits such as wild jackfruit, mangoes and durians. Perhaps there is a thrill in collecting these fruits, but do they realise that their selfish delight is robbing certain animals of their natural provisions?
If this situation goes unchecked, the monkeys in particular, may turn aggressive toward humans because of food. Instinctively, they will start scouting for other food sources, thus becoming a nuisance to the homes in the vicinity.
I have seen monkeys patrolling the overhead bridge studying their chances of getting into the Beauty World Shopping Centre. If they succeed, imagine what chaos that will bring about there. Sadly, I have also come across some long tail macaques killed tragically on the stretch of the Pan Island Expressway near the reserve. Were they looking for greener pastures?
Let's be more responsible. We must protect these creatures, not deprive them of their essential food supplies. I urge the authorities to monitor the situation and post educational posters to drive home the message.
