More fences to be erected to prevent vehicular-wildlife collisions

In a bid to stop collisions between wildlife and vehicles, fences will be erected at nine more locations in Singapore, up from the current three, mostly along major roads near the Bukit Timah and Central Catchment nature reserves.

This comes after the National Parks Board (NParks) saw a drop in roadkill deaths of wild boars and sambar deer at such locations, from six cases in 2023 to two in 2024.

"Vehicular-wildlife collisions not only pose serious risks to drivers, riders and passengers, they also harm our wildlife," said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee in a Facebook post on April 14.

He added that the drop in roadkill owing to the placement of the fences, a measure known as exclusion fencing, has been "encouraging".

"To do more to protect our motorists and wildlife, NParks will be extending exclusion fencing to nine additional locations over the next two years. These are higher-risk areas identified based on past incidents," said Mr Lee.

The 1.8m-high fences - which deter large mammals from jumping over them - will be put up progressively. The project is due for completion by 2026.

Smooth panels will also be added to the bases of such fences to prevent smaller animals like pangolins from climbing over the fences and accessing roads.

Mr Lee urged road users to do their part by driving carefully along roads flanked by forested areas, especially where there are signs to indicate animal crossings.

"Together, we can work towards our vision and adapt to having wildlife in our city," he said.

In 2024, two sambar deer deaths were reported in Mandai Road, near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, after collisions with vehicles.