30-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) Residents of a Jurong East housing block were treated to an unusual sight when a rare Asian softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea) was spotted crawling along the pavement, sparking curiosity and concern among onlookers.
The unexpected appearance of the protected species on 24 August outside Block 246 Jurong East Street 24 was captured on video by 41-year-old safety coordinator Altaf Yusoff. The footage, which he shared on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook page, shows the reptile slowly making its way across the wet pavement as bystanders express their amazement.
Mr Yusoff, speaking to local media, described his excitement at witnessing such an uncommon sight in the urban landscape of Jurong East. “It’s not every day you see a turtle like this in our neighbourhood,” he remarked, noting that it was the only turtle observed in the area at the time.
The sighting has drawn attention from wildlife experts, including 26-year-old Luqmanul Hakim Bin Othman, co-founder of the Turtle Working Group Singapore. Mr Othman, who has been tracking the species since 2020, emphasised the rarity of such an encounter, stating that the Asian softshell turtle is classified as ‘vulnerable’ both internationally and within Singapore.
However, the story took an unexpected turn when it was reported that the turtle was allegedly taken away by a member of the public before authorities could arrive on the scene. The National Parks Board (NParks) had been alerted to the situation but was unable to intervene in time.
NParks’s group director of wildlife management, How Choon Beng, confirmed to The Straits Times that the turtle is a native species protected under the Wildlife Act 1965. Mr How stated that NParks is currently investigating the incident, reminding the public that it is an offence to keep or take any wildlife without proper authorisation.
The case has highlighted the strict regulations surrounding wildlife protection in Singapore. Under the Wildlife Act, offenders who interfere with protected species can face severe penalties, including fines of up to S$50,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
