Another hallmark of Singapore’s success at becoming a ‘city in a nature‘ (besides the return of the native otter population) is the growing re-population of the Oriental pied-hornbill, a native bird which was once thought to be locally extinct. The massive, prehistoric looking birds can reach a length of more than half a metre and are a stunning sight with their massive casqued bills!
After extensive re-greening of Singpaore in the ’90’s, the birds were seen again on Pulau Ubin. After noticing that reproduction was being limited by a lack of places for nesting, NParks created a series of nest boxes for the hornhills and the population in Singapore is now nearly 100! Dense urban environments and biodiversity are not mutually exclusive! My apartment faces two large Bodhi trees, and groups of hornbills visit often, even landing on the balcony!
Images and Video by Jonathan Choe
