2. To what extent is the preservation of wildlife important in your country? Discuss. The preservation of wildlife has gained increasing attention in the last decade when people started to realise that our attempts at making better lives for ourselves have robbed these animals of their homes. In Singapore, there is very little wildlife to speak of. With the exception of several species of birds and aquatic creatures, attention has been largely focussed on the conservation of the environment. This is not to say that wildlife has been ignored. The government has apportioned pockets of land for the preservation of wildlife.
Visitors to the east coast can see tracts of land along the beach set aside as bird sanctuaries. Bird lovers often come here to catch glimpses of unusual birds and insects that make these places a regular haunt. It is hoped that these pockets of land set aside to protect wildlife will balance the rapid industrialisation and urbanisation of Singapore. In the northwest of Singapore, the Sungei Buloh nature reserve has been set aside as a sanctuary for migratory birds. The government has also placed a lot of emphasis on protecting wildlife through their support of the local zoo.
The zoo boasts a design that incorporates as much of the natural surrounding as possible into the creation of space for the animals to roam around in. As a result, the animals are made to feel right at home instead of being cooped up in the barrenness of the usual cages. The animals are thus not exposed to an alien environment, but are given the best care possible by the experienced zoo-keepers. Furthermore, a lot of research and effort have gone into ensuring the perpetuation of wildlife species now in protection at the zoo.
Preserving wildlife is obviously a concern of the local government, judging from the fact that they spend a lot of money on the zoo. However, it is important to realise that Singapore has very limited land space for use in the preservation of wildlife. The concern has always been her citizen’s welfare above all else. Thus, priority is always given to the development of housing and industries so as to provide adequately for the people. But wherever possible, land areas have been specified as conservation areas to protect the resident species.
A good example was the modification of plans to develop a piece of land in the western region of Singapore when it was discovered that a species of rare crabs had made their home on the land. In the end, all was well with the development going ahead but not affecting the crabs’ habitat. Clearly, the preservation of wildlife is of priority for the government but the policy followed is that whenever possible, efforts will be made to ensure the survival of these species. But the primary concern is still for the overall development of Singapore to give the citizens a life compatible with that of the rest of the developed world.
