Mandai Nature

Singapore’s nature parks are not only a haven for native wildlife but also offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and appreciate the rich biodiversity thriving within our city’s green spaces. Recently, our colleagues from Mandai Nature and Mandai Wildlife Group went on a wildlife spotting adventure in these parks. They encountered a fascinating array of local species, including the Malayan five ring, Wagler's pit viper, white-rumped shama, and greater racket-tailed drongo, among many others! Did you know that such observations are a form of citizen science? By observing and recording these species, individuals can contribute valuable data that helps researchers track species distribution, monitor ecosystem health, and support conservation efforts. Step into nature this weekend and appreciate the diverse wildlife around you!

Congratulations to our very own Andie Ang, who has been named one of the 33 environmentalists in Singapore recognised by the Good Stories movement.🌟 Dr Andie Ang’s lifelong passion for primates has led her to a career as a research scientist and primatologist. She now leads the primate conservation and Singapore programmes at Mandai Nature, while also serving as President of the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore). Her work over the past decade studying wild primates and collaborating with various agencies is making a difference for threatened primate species. We are proud to have her on our team and contribute to our important work in primate conservation across Southeast Asia. The Good Stories movement, initiated by Philippine attorney Antonio Opsa, honours individuals, NGOs, and government agencies for their contributions to environmental conservation. The inaugural Singapore edition of this movement highlights locals who are making a significant impact on wildlife conservation. Pictured below: Dr Andie Ang at the Good Stories movement celebratory event with Singapore's Ambassdor-at-Large and her long-time mentor, Professor Tommy Koh. Photo credit: Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law

Empowering women in conservation goes beyond the pursuit of equality — it’s crucial for the health of our planet. Women’s unique perspectives and leadership drive essential change, from grassroots initiatives to high-level policy advocacy. Through its Women in Conservation Programme in Southeast Asia, IUCN SSC Asian Species Action Partnership is equipping women with the tools, mentorship and opportunities to become effective leaders in the field. Watch the video to see how this programme is making a difference through the experiences of the women who participated. 🌍💚 Find out more about the programme here: https://lnkd.in/gRQ_-rbA Mandai Nature proudly hosts IUCN SSC Asian Species Action Partnership.

📢 The first-ever genus action plan for Asian Langurs is out! This landmark initiative calls for a unified effort across Southeast Asia to prevent the extinction of these incredible primates. The action plan outlines nine key conservation priorities aimed at addressing critical threats and driving actionable conservation efforts for 20 langur species across Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand. Among the priorities identified: 🌳 Protecting core habitats and strengthening forest connectivity 🔍 Conducting field studies to improve taxonomic knowledge of the species 📢 Raising awareness though education and policy change 🌏 Creating a global network of researchers, conservationists, governments, zoos and volunteers Access the full action plan here: https://lnkd.in/gjDSaT-S The action plan was developed with input from over 30 international primate experts and conservationists across 23 institutions worldwide including IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, German Primate Center, Primate Conservation Inc, Re:wild and Mandai Nature which hosts the Southeast Asia Regional Resource Centre of IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group. Photo credits: Chien Lee, Dr Andie Ang, Ahdiani

This #HornbillWeek, let's celebrate the amazing hornbills and their unique traits, including their fascinating nesting behaviour! These majestic birds are incredibly devoted parents. During nesting season, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity to lay eggs and raise her chicks, relying entirely on her mate to bring her food until the chicks are ready to fledge in about 3 to 5 months. Sadly, habitat loss is making it harder for hornbills to find these perfect nesting spots. Often called 'farmers of the forests', hornbills play a crucial role in spreading seeds, which helps keep our forests healthy. Protecting their habitats is crucial to ensure that future generations of hornbills can continue to thrive. Let’s raise awareness about their importance and support efforts to protect these remarkable birds and their habitats. Check out this inspiring story of how conservation groups and indigenous communities are banding together to save the Critically Endangered helmeted hornbill in Malaysia: https://bit.ly/3yK6RIn Pictured below: A wreathed hornbill at a nesting site Photo credit: Kaylar Varma #HornbillWeek2024 #hornbill #conservation

🌿 Today we celebrate a significant milestone: August 25th is now officially Colobine Monkey Day, as recognised by the IUCN! This special day shines a spotlight on an incredible group of primates with pressing conservation needs. Colobine monkeys, often called "leaf monkeys," have a fascinating adaptation—they can digest leaves and seeds 🍃 that many other primates can't. With at least 83 species globally, 59 of which reside in Asia, these arboreal marvels play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Yet, many colobine species, such as the proboscis monkey in Borneo, the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey in northern Vietnam, and the Raffles' banded langur in Singapore, face serious threats and are on the brink of extinction. In conjunction with this exciting news is the launch of a landmark conservation action plan focused on Asian langurs, a key group within the colobine monkeys. This plan unites conservationists, governments, researchers, and zoos to create a clear and actionable strategy to protect these amazing primates. Join us in celebrating Colobine Monkey Day and stay tuned for details on the action plan, coming next week! Photo credits: Mandai Wildlife Group, Sabrina Jabbar, Le Khuc Quyet

Industries in tropical rainforests have long been linked to large-scale land clearance for commodities like palm oil and rubber, driving significant biodiversity loss. However, many of these industries are now making bold zero-deforestation commitments and designating “High Conservation Value (HCV)” areas within their land. This article explores the huge ecological importance of HCV areas, which often provide the last refuge for threatened species or act as vital wildlife corridors between fragmented forests. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/ezg5tQjJ #ecosystems #reforestation #biodiversity #conservation #sustainablebusiness

We recently had the pleasure of hosting our Patron, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at Bird Paradise! It was a fruitful afternoon as we told President Tharman about our conservation efforts in Singapore and Southeast Asia, as well as how Mandai Nature and Mandai Wildlife Group collaborate to achieve greater impact. He was also among the first to have a look at our Impact Report, fresh off the press! A special moment was visiting Winged Sanctuary, where we introduced Sam, the park’s resident Philippine eagle, to our guests! 🦅 Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group

📢ANNOUNCEMENT📢 Our 2023/2024 Impact Report is here! ✨ What a year it has been! As a conservation organsation, our success is defined by the positive impact we make on species and communities in Singapore and Southeast Asia. This progress wouldn't be possible without our incredible partners, supporters, and dedicated team. Thanks to this unwavering support, we turn ambitions into achievements and ideas into impactful actions. Thank you for your partnerships and going on this journey with us! Swipe to see highlights 👇 and check out the the full report to read about some of biggest achievements in the past year: https://lnkd.in/gtHpcAPd #ImpactReport #AnnualReport #ConservationImpact #biodiversity #wildlife #conservation #landscape #community

Last month saw an eventful week for horseshoe crab conservation in Singapore! More than 170 delegates from around the world gathered in Singapore for the 5th International Horseshoe Crab Workshop, organised by the IUCN SSC Horseshoe Crab Specialist Group and Nature Society Singapore. Held from 19 to 23 June, the workshop brought species experts and conservationists from various NGOs, schools and research institutions together to share knowledge and develop strategies to protect these little-known species that inhabit our coastlines. Over five insightful days, participants engaged with numerous presentations covering topics from the species’ genetics to recent advancements in conservation research. With the four extant species of horseshoe crabs facing multiple threats globally, one of the key objectives of the workshop focused on mapping out conservation actions. Roopali Raghavan, our Head of Terrestrial Conservation and Conservation Planning, co-facilitated a multi-species conservation planning workshop, using Assess-to-Plan approaches to ultimately develop a conservation action plan for three species of Asian horseshoe crabs. As part of post-workshop activities, the delegates embarked on several field trips, including to the Kranji mudflats and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to observe the mangrove horseshoe crab and other fascinating native flora and fauna. Together with key partners IUCN SSC CPSG and venue host, Resorts World Sentosa, we're honoured to have been a part of this landmark event advancing the conservation for horseshoe crab populations in Singapore and beyond. Photo credits: Nature Society Singapore #horseshoecrab #livingfossil #Singapore #conservation #RedList #AssessPlanAct #conservationplanning #ReversetheRed