Urban Wildlife Ecology
(Ministry of National Development)
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Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there is a decrease in the local population of wild boars following the 2023 African Swine Fever (ASF); (b) whether changes in the wild boar population due to the ASF outbreak have impacted forest biodiversity; and (c) what measures are being taken or considered to manage any potential ecological imbalance caused by changes in the wild boar population.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: While the 2023 African Swine Fever outbreak led to a reduction of the wild boar populations in Pulau Ubin and the western part of Singapore, they have since shown signs of recovery. The National Parks Board will continue to monitor and manage the wild boar population, including any impact to the biodiversity in these areas, as part of its science-based approach to wildlife management.
Link to Hansard: Link
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Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for National Development (a) over the last three years, what are the visitor trends to Sisters' Islands Marine Park with a breakdown of those arriving via public ferry versus private craft; (b) how is NParks improving accessibility for the general public following enhancements to the Island in 2024; and (c) what initiatives are being implemented to reduce barriers of entry and increasing visitorship.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: There have been over 40,000 visitors to Big Sister’s Island since the opening of the enhanced Sisters’ Islands Marine Park in October 2024. Most visitors arrive via public ferry.
To improve connectivity and promote visitorship, a new daily boat service from Sentosa to Big Sister’s Island was added in December 2025, on top of the existing daily ferry service from Marina South Pier. We have also enhanced accessibility within Big Sister’s Island with a barrier-free access route, a floating boardwalk and wheelchair-friendly shelters. The National Parks Board (NParks) also partners the
Friends of Marine Park to organise guided nature walks and citizen science activities.
Image Credit: Channel News Asia (SPCA Singapore)