In the bustling city-state of Singapore, where urban development often overshadows natural habitats, the sighting of two leopard cats in Changi in 2024 has raised both hope and concern among conservationists. The elusive leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild feline critically endangered in Singapore, is typically found in offshore islands and the central and western catchment areas of the mainland. Its rare appearance in Changi, near the site of the upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5 construction, has prompted calls for urgent surveys and protective measures to safeguard this fragile population.

The Singapore Wildcat Action Group (Swag), a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to protecting the country’s wild felines, reported the sightings and is now advocating for a rapid survey of the Changi coastal area in 2025. Vilma D’Rozario, co-director of Swag, expressed concern over the potential risks posed by heavy vehicle traffic linked to the Terminal 5 project, set to commence in the first half of 2025. “We would like to monitor the presence of leopard cats in the area near the construction site because of the high number of heavy vehicles,” she said. “In the last 25 years, five leopard cats were found dead on Singapore’s roads – one too many when we have a population of fewer than 50.”

Leopard cats, while abundant globally, are listed as critically endangered in Singapore according to the Singapore Red Data Book. Their small population faces significant threats from habitat loss and road accidents, with several incidents of roadkill reported over the years at locations including Bukit Timah Expressway, Mandai Lake Road, and Changi Coast Road. The most recent roadkill incident in Changi occurred in 2018, but the two sightings in 2024 have reignited concerns about the safety of these nocturnal creatures in an area undergoing rapid development.

Dr D’Rozario emphasised the need for mitigation measures to address this “real threat” to the leopard cats. Swag is seeking a research permit from the National Parks Board (NParks) to conduct a detailed survey, hoping to confirm whether a stable population exists in Changi or if these sightings are isolated incidents. The group has also taken to social media to raise public awareness, sharing practical tips in a Facebook post on 1 February. These include reducing speed near nature reserves, staying vigilant for wildlife on roads, adhering to designated trails in parks, and reporting injured animals to NParks or the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society.

While Swag remains optimistic about the possibility of a leopard cat presence in Changi, not all experts share the same view. Dr Ian Chan, a lecturer at the National University of Singapore’s Department of Biological Sciences, suggested that the sighted cats may have swum across from nearby islands such as Pulau Tekong or Pulau Ubin, rather than indicating an established population in Changi. “While I think it is unlikely that there is an established leopard cat population in Changi, a survey such as the one proposed by Swag would definitely give us more information,” he noted. “And every leopard cat individual is crucial for the small population that remains in Singapore.”

The debate over whether Changi could support a leopard cat population highlights the broader challenges of wildlife conservation in a densely urbanised environment. Singapore’s rapid development, exemplified by projects like Terminal 5 – expected to be operational by the mid-2030s – often leaves little room for native species to thrive. Balancing infrastructure growth with the preservation of biodiversity remains a persistent dilemma for policymakers and conservationists alike.

Beyond formal surveys and mitigation measures, Swag is encouraging public participation in protecting Singapore’s leopard cats. The group’s recent social media campaign urges residents to play an active role by adhering to guidelines when visiting nature reserves, such as leaving parks by 7pm and refraining from feeding wildlife. For those eager to learn more, Swag offers guided leopard cat walks on Pulau Ubin, providing an opportunity to understand the behaviour and habitat needs of these enigmatic mammals.

The sightings in Changi serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between urban expansion and wildlife preservation. As Singapore continues to grow, the fate of its critically endangered leopard cats hinges on collaborative efforts between authorities, conservation groups, and the public. Whether the Changi sightings signal a new habitat or merely a fleeting visit, they underscore the urgency of protecting every individual of this rare species in a city where nature and progress are often at odds.

With Swag’s proposed survey on the horizon, there is hope that more data will shed light on the leopard cat’s presence in Changi. For now, the sightings are a call to action – a chance for Singapore to reinforce its commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage amidst the roar of construction and the hum of progress.