The National Parks Board is implementing a sterilization program for long-tailed macaques in Maju Forest to manage the primate population [1].
The initiative follows reports from residents who experienced repeated intrusions into their homes by the animals. By limiting the birth rate, the agency aims to reduce the frequency of human-wildlife encounters in the residential areas bordering the forest [1].
Singapore is home to approximately 1,900 native long-tailed macaques [1]. These primates are known for their adaptability, but their proximity to urban developments often leads to friction. The National Parks Board said the program is a targeted effort to stabilize the population within the Maju Forest area [1].
Sterilization is a long-term management strategy because long-tailed macaques have a significant lifespan in the wild. These animals typically live between 15 and 30 years [1]. Because the animals live for decades, immediate population drops are unlikely, and the program instead focuses on preventing the growth of new generations [1].
Officials said the move is necessary to ensure that both the wildlife and the local community can coexist safely. The agency continues to monitor the behavior of the macaques to determine if further interventions are required to prevent property damage or safety risks to the public [1].
“The National Parks Board is implementing a sterilization program for long-tailed macaques in Maju Forest”
This move signals a shift toward proactive biological management rather than reactive relocation. Because the macaques have a long lifespan of up to 30 years, the National Parks Board is prioritizing a gradual population decline to avoid the ecological vacuum and social instability that often follow the sudden removal of dominant animals from a troop.
