S1E1: Visit to Kranji Marshes: Rise of invasive birds in Singapore

Why non-native species like the golden-backed weaver and monk
parakeet need to be dealt with before they spread elsewhere.


Synopsis (headphones recommended): In our first audio trail of
Singapore’s nature spaces, The Straits Times explores the ins and
outs of creatures in these places with those who know them well.


Listen to birdsong at the Kranji Marshes with the president and
vice-president of freshly hatched conservation group Bird Society
of Singapore Keita Sin and Movin Nyanasengeran who take ST
journalist Ang Qing around one of the largest freshwater marshes
here.


During a two-hour walk, they experience a morning at the remote
park, which is home to more than 170 birds in north-western
Singapore.


They banter on all things bird-related, from ‘parrot politics’ to
the mounting threat of invasive bird species to Singapore and
South-east Asia.


This comes as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services reported in September that
more than 3,500 harmful invasive species have cost the global
economy at least US$423 billion (S$576 billion) a year. And the
annual expense has quadrupled every decade since the 1970s.


You can also read our accompanying ST podcast article to see
pictures of the various bird species mentioned (link
below). 


Highlights (click/tap above):


1:49 The tale of the golden-backed weaver and what it means for
Singapore


6:47 Parrot pet problems and ‘politics’


8:55 What you need to know about Kranji Marshes


9:25 The origins and ambitions of Bird Society of Singapore


15:55 Debunking common myths about birds


To see the various bird species named in this podcast, read our
podcast article: https://str.sg/ichq


Produced by: Ang Qing (aqing@sph.com.sg), Ernest Luis, Hadyu
Rahim, Teo Tong Kai & Paxton Pang


Edited by: Hadyu Rahim


Discover The Bird Society of Singapore: https://str.sg/ichc


Follow Green Pulse Podcast channel here and rate us:


Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf


Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY


Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag


Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts


Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg


Follow Ang Qing on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ichp


Read her articles: https://str.sg/i5gT


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Follow more ST podcast channels:


All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7


ST Podcasts website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts


The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa


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Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player
section:


The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB


Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX


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