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  Today Online 1 Jun 07
Seeking peace in the rain

Straits Times 31 May 07
Free animals? Students to show it can cause harm

Channel NewsAsia 30 May 07
Public urged not to release animals into the wild

SINGAPORE : With Vesak Day approaching, the National Parks Board (NParks) has urged the public to refrain from releasing animals into the wild.

It said domesticated animals would be unable to fend for themselves in the forest. Most of them do not survive after being released and an estimated 90 percent die within a day.

Introducing animals non-native to Singapore into the wild would also disturb the ecological balance in nature reserves or reservoirs. These animals are usually more aggressive or prolific breeders and may compete with the native animals for food and space.

NParks is working closely with other organisations to educate the public on the harmful consequences of such acts. Volunteers are putting up posters and distributing brochures at various locations ahead of the upcoming Vesak Day holiday. - CNA/ms

[Wildsingapore note: If you would like to report animal release, pls call this hotline at Central Nature Reserve 64685736]

Straits Times 31 May 07
Free animals? Students to show it can cause harm

IT IS an act of compassion for Buddhists to set captive animals free to mark Vesak Day today, but these seemingly charitable acts are not only harmful to the released animals, they could also have a devastating effect on the ecosystem here.

Turtles, fish and birds are usually released at temples, reservoirs, ponds, parks and beaches as a symbolic gesture of compassion on Vesak Day.

But unwittingly, the devotees may be causing more harm than good. For a start, it is estimated that nine out of 10 of the released animals die within the day, said a National Parks (NParks) spokesman.

The creatures are already stressed by their captivity, and for those that are domesticated, they simply cannot fend for themselves in the wild. Plus, if the creature is not native to Singapore, it will have problems with the weather and food.

Singapore Zoo's head veterinarian Richard McCort said that he has seen recaptured animals with skin problems. They are usually malnourished and worse, some lose their limbs.

But if the animal does somehow survive, its very hardiness may mean problems for other animals in the ecosystem.

For instance, the American red-eared terrapin is such a prolific breeder that it is squeezing out native terrapins in the reservoirs here.

It is currently against the law to release animals. First-time offenders will be fined $200. Under the Parks and Trees Act, subsequent offenders can be fined up to $50,000 or face imprisonment for six months, or both.

A spokesman for the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery told The Straits Times that liberating animals should be done 'wisely and legally'.

To spread the non-release message, some 100 rangers and volunteers will be patrolling the nature parks today.

Among them are 11 'Conservation Ambassadors' from Pioneer Junior College. Under the programme - which is sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings - the ambassadors do conservation work with the zoo.

One ambassador, Christina Lu, 17, said that she was keen to go on the patrols: 'It is important for young people to learn about the consequences of releasing animals, how the animals can be harmed and how they are in turn harmful to the environment. It's worth it for me to contribute my part, even on a public holiday'.

Today Online 1 Jun 07
Seeking peace in the rain

THOUSANDS of Buddhists celebrated Vesak Day yesterday despite the wet weather, with Singaporeans from all walks of life visiting temples across the island to pray, meditate and make offerings. Devotees usually bring flowers, candles and joss-sticks to lay at the feet of Buddha, whom they regard as their teacher.

The day marks the birth and enlightenment of Buddha and his entry into Nirvana. Buddhist organisations and temples observe acts of generosity during Vesak, such as visiting and giving donations to the needy.

Animals are also usually released in what is known as a "symbolic act to liberation"; of giving freedom to those who are in captivity, imprisoned or tortured against their will. However, NParks appealed to Singaporeans not to release animals into nature reserves and reservoirs as domesticated animals rarely survive in the wild.
links
Releasing animals: good or bad? a pamphlet used during efforts to educate people NOT to release animals particularly during Vesak Day.

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Exotic Species of Singapore blog
Global Invasive Species Database of the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group: introduction to the issue, top 100 worst invasive species and more.
Invasive species weblog updated reports around the world on the impact of alien introduced species.
Invasive species on the Conservation Science Institute: an introduction to this global problem with brief descriptions of major species.

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