Flying Lemurs Take a Rough Day in Singapore
When the sun was shining and the rain was puddles, a stray colugo (the so‑called flying lemur) nearly turned a weekend stroll into a dramatic rescue mission.
Where, Why, and How
- Our brave hero was found on Sunday, May 8, by Hana Cha near the Swiss Club Singapore, along Bukit Tinggi Road.
- Instead of gliding like a cloud, it ended up stuck on a razor‑wire fence, a snare more lethal than the wildest barbed wire.
- Three dead birds had already been found on the same fence, according to Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan of Acres.
Save or Bust?
Acres (the wildlife save‑our‑day team) rushed the colugo to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve and spent a hard 30‑minute tug‑of‑war to free it. Unfortunately, the poor critter had deep cuts on its jaw, limbs, and the magic “wing” that lets it glide—a thin skin membrane called a patagium—and was declared beyond help.
How the Swiss Club Jumped In
Immediately after the incident, Acres notified Swiss Club Singapore. Though the club no longer owns the land, its management acted fast:
- Key players: Kalai and Aaron Lim swapped a dozen emails.
- Authorities moved paintless and deadly wires out in less than 24 hours.
- Ex‑fence removal took six hours, paid for by the rightful landowner.
Lessons Learned (and Fun Facts)
While colugos love Singapore’s gardens, they’re surprisingly shy of razor‑wire fences. Kalai warns that similar “concertina” traps still hide across the island, causing trouble for everything from owls to endangered pythons.
“When we noticed the colugo’s fate, we knew it was a simple decision—remove the fence and hope for wildlife safety,” says Swiss Club’s Aaron Lim. Hope is not just in the Mediterranean; it’s all the way from Singapore to the orchid gardens.
The Takeaway
When we see a flying lemur or simply any odd animal in distress, we should remember: quick action, collaboration, and a dash of empathy can straighten even the most tangled of fences. Let’s keep the skies of Singapore clear of razor‑wire obstacles and let colugos continue their effortless, or gliding for that matter, journeys across the city.
Meet the Gossamer Gliders of Singapore
Ever heard of a colugo? They’re the unofficial mascots of Singapore’s lush reserves, fluttering around like their own personal NFL team—only with wings made of skin‑tanned leaves! These eerie, arboreal marsupials love to hang out in three of our most beloved green spots: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, and Bukit Batok Nature Park.
Why Colugos are the Real VIPs of the Forest
- Long‑Lived Lovers of the Lianas – Colugos can stay comfortably perched on branches for hours, sipping nectar and nibbling on fruits without a single ground footfall.
- Nature’s Best Pocket‑Wings – Their patagium (gliding membrane) is a scientist’s dream, covering from shoulder to toe, allowing them to glide from tree to tree like a casual badminton shuttle!
- Gentle Grazers – Unlike your everyday primate, they’re gentle snackers, preying on fruits, nuts, and even leaves. No need to worry about their polka‑dot appetite.
Should You Be on the Lookout?
Don’t be surprised if you spot them during a misty morning hike. Their whiskered faces and subtle “meow‑meow” are signs that the forest is thriving. Statistically, you’re more likely to see a colugo than a celebrity; hide a selfie stick in your pocket—nature’s paparazzi are already on it!
Keep the Gossamer Gliders Safe
Remember, these silky‑skin creatures are protected, so keep your hands and feet inside your bag and enjoy their glides from afar. Bleeding thumbs? We’d rather have a colugo pawing the tree than a lost thumb in the jungle.
