5 Animals Native to Singapore and Where You Can Find Them - 5 Species Endemic to Singapore and the Areas Where They Can

As its name suggests, the Singapore Whiskered Bat is a unique creature exclusive to the Lion City. These bats stand out with their dark brown fur, distinguishing them from the common grey-coloured bats. They are small animals that primarily feed on insects and are often observed curled up in banana leaves. Other distinctive features include their tiny eyes and elongated ears. Despite a decades-long decline in their numbers and local belief in their near-extinction, wildlife authorities have not classified the Singapore Whiskered Bat as "threatened" or "extinct." These bats are mainly found in Singapore's nature reserves, and the main challenge in spotting them is their diminutive size.

One of the least known species globally, the mousedeer is a captivating creature native to Singapore. Despite not being rodent-like or technically classified as "deer," mousedeer are distinctive animals found in expansive forests and jungle regions. They possess an exceptional ability to evade humans and natural predators, contributing significantly to their survival in the wild. These enigmatic creatures have occasionally been spotted in Singapore's Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

One of the better-known endemic species in Singapore, the charming Dugong is often likened to the manatees found in the United States. These marine creatures, with their snub-nosed appearance, bear a resemblance to both cows and elephants. They typically inhabit the shallow waters along the coasts of Singapore. Tourists staying at Grand Park City Hall or any other City Hall hotel in Singaporeenter link description here the area can partake in a coastal tour of Pulau Tekong island to catch a glimpse of these sizable and plump creatures. With a maximum length of up to 13 feet and a weight of 2200 pounds, they are quite conspicuous when strolling along the shores of Singapore's outlying islands.

Leading the pack as one of the endemic primates residing in Singapore, the Banded Leaf Monkey is one of only three non-human primates found in the country. These native creatures are not only majestic but also a favourite among tourists. Unfortunately, they are currently facing the threat of extinction due to human activities. As an endemic species classified as endangered by Singaporean conservationists, there are only 30 Banded Leaf Monkeys left in Singapore. Those interested in catching a glimpse of these primates can visit the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, one of their primary habitats where leaves and fruits provide them with sustenance. Unlike most monkey species, Banded Leaf Monkeys are extremely shy and prefer to lead a secluded life away from human interference. Therefore, travellers should avoid approaching these animals and instead admire them from a respectful distance.

With agile bodies designed for gliding through the air, the Flying Lemurs of Singapore can soar to heights of up to 100 meters. These creatures are typically brown or grey in colour, and if you're looking to spot them, the Bukit Batok Nature Park and the Central Nature Reserves are the ideal locations. Keep in mind that Flying Lemurs are nocturnal animals, so your best chances of sighting them are during the evening or night.