February 4, 2025
SINGAPORE – The elusive leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is known to roam offshore islands and the central and western catchment areas on the mainland, but there are signs it could now be in Changi, too.
The Singapore Wildcat Action Group (Swag), which is made up of volunteers, is proposing a rapid survey of the Changi coastal area in 2025, and will be applying to the National Parks Board (NParks) for a research permit, said its co-director Vilma D’Rozario.
She said: “We would like to monitor the presence of leopard cats in the area near the construction of Singapore’s new airport terminal because of the high number of heavy vehicles in that area.”
The construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 is expected to start in the first half of 2025, and the mega-terminal is set to be operational in the mid-2030s.
There have been several incidents of the nocturnal leopard cats ending up as roadkill, said Dr D’Rozario.
“In the last 25 years, five leopard cats were found dead on Singapore’s roads – one too many, when we have a population of fewer than 50,” she added.
The roadkills were found at different locations: Bukit Timah Expressway near Mandai Road, Mandai Lake Road, Jalan Bahar, Neo Tiew Road and Changi Coast Road.
The incident in Changi was in 2018, although in 2024, two sightings of the leopard cat were reported in the same area, Dr D’Rozario added.
“We would like to see mitigations to this real threat put into place,” she said.
The recent sightings in Changi hint at a leopard cat population in the area but other researchers are less sure.
Dr Ian Chan, a lecturer at the National University of Singapore’s Department of Biological Sciences, said leopard cats sighted in Changi are likely to have swum across from Pulau Tekong or Pulau Ubin, given Changi’s distance from the leopard cat’s existing habitats on the mainland.
He said: “While I think it is unlikely that there is an established leopard cat population in Changi, a survey such as the one proposed by Swag would definitely give us more information.
“And every leopard cat individual is crucial for the small population that remains in Singapore.”
Although leopard cats are abundant worldwide, they are critically endangered in Singapore, according to the Singapore Red Data Book, which provides information such as the scientific and common names, and descriptions of each plant and animal species here.
To protect the remaining leopard cats here, Swag has proposed a few measures that the public could adhere to, via a Facebook post on Feb 1.
First, drivers should reduce their speed when driving near nature reserves, and stay vigilant for any wildlife on the roads.
Those visiting parks and nature reserves should also make it a point to leave by 7pm, refrain from feeding wildlife, and stay on designated trails.
If an injured leopard cat is spotted, people can report it to NParks on 1800-476-1600, or the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society wildlife rescue hotline on 9783-7782.
Also, members of the public who wish to learn more about these enigmatic mammals can sign up for Swag’s guided leopard cat walks at https://www.swagcat.org/store/Leopard-Cat-QUEST-@Ubin-p450716014
- Angelica Ang is a journalist on The Straits Times’ breaking news team, where she covers the latest local and international developments.