List of mammals of Singapore
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are currently about 65 species of mammals in Singapore.[1] Since the founding of modern Singapore in 1819, over 90 species have been recorded, including megafauna such as tigers, leopards and sambar deer. Most of these have since become extirpated from Singapore largely due to rapid urban development, with occasional large mammals such as Asian elephants swimming across the Straits of Johor from Johor, Malaysia.[2]
Many surviving species have critically low population numbers, the most seriously endangered being the cream-coloured giant squirrel, last sighted in 1995[3] and now possibly extirpated. The Raffles' banded langur is also down to around 60 individuals. However, some species have been rediscovered in more remote parts of the country, such as the Malaysian porcupine which was found on Pulau Tekong in 2005,[4] and the greater mousedeer on Pulau Ubin in 2009.[5]
The most commonly seen native mammals are the long-tailed macaque and plantain squirrel. The largest terrestrial mammal that can still be found is the wild boar, which is common on the offshore islands of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong, but also found on the mainland. The largest mammals in Singapore, however, are marine creatures such as dugongs and dolphins. The colugo is also doing well, but these are rarely seen due to their elusiveness and camouflage.