Yong Lin

Walking along a park connector that is flanked by forest in the wee hours of a morning, a friend and I were on a lookout for some of our local biodiversity. One nocturnal animal in particular that we really wanted to spot was the elusive sunda pangolin. Many unsuccessful prior attempts have been made, and we were not optimistic. As luck would have it, the silence of the night was soon broken by the sound of movement in the undergrowth.There it was, a beautiful juvenile in all its glory! Holding our breaths as we observed it foraging by the edge of the forest, it was clearly not sharing the same interest that we had for it. After what seemed like an eternity, the pangolin stepped out into the light of the park connector where we could finally get some photos of it, as it attempted to cross over to the other side of the forest. With dogged determination, it moved with a purpose, completely focused on its goal and seemingly oblivious to what was around it. As we watched it disappearinto the darkness on the other side, my friend and I hi-fived each other, smiles on our faces and adrenaline still flowing through our veins. The critically endangered sunda pangolin is the most heavily trafficked mammal in the illegal wildlife trade, and is native to Singapore. With strict laws in place to deter poaching here, our pangolins face the primary threat of ending up as roadkill. Hopefully this situation improves as we learn to keep a better lookout for our biodiversity.🌜 #nparksbuzz #canonsg #pangolin #sundapangolin #urbanwildlife #visitsingapore #exploresingapore #endangered #bbcearth

Smooth coated otters are able to stay underwater for long periods of time, as well as being able to propel themselves through the water at great speeds, to hunt their prey. 🦦🐟 #nparksbuzz #exploresingapore #visitsingapore #otters #singapore #bbcearth #natgeoyourshot

Watching cautiously by the edge of the forest, a pair of sambar stags waited patiently for passing vehicles to clear. Once the coast is clear, they made their way across the small road to another patch of forest to continue feeding. Before disappearing into the forest, one of the stags noticed me sitting a distance away, pausing momentarily to gaze curiously in my direction. Detecting no threat, they continued on their way soon after. The whole encounter was over in under 3 minutes, but one that I will remember for a long time to come. Should you be fortunate to spot these gentle creatures, make sure to observe from a distance and stay low/still, as well as avoid the use of camera flashes/ torches. For motorists, do drive safely along the roads of the central catchment area, for both the safety of our local biodiversity and ourselves. 🦌🚦 #nparksbuzz #exploresingapore #visitsingapore #bbcearth #wildlife #sambardeer #singapore

Alone time. Smooth coated otters are social creatures,and usually stay close to their family members. However, some individuals may occasionally seek time alone if they are confident about the whereabouts of their family. This particular male woke up earlier than the rest of his family, and decided to have a private roll and nap nearby undisturbed. 🦦☀️ #canonsg #exploresingapore #visitsingapore #otters #otter #tan #singapore #bbcearth #earthcapture #nparksbuzz #urbanwildlife #sand

To do list in the day of a lone smooth coated otter in Singapore 🇸🇬. 1. Wake up before dawn to explore/hunt for breakfast. 2. Sniff out other otters that may be in the area via the usual spraint spots, while being on high alert. 3. Find a safe spot for an afternoon nap. 4. Try to find a mate. 5. Stay alive. #canonsg #exploresingapore #singapore #visitsingapore #otters #otter #urbanwildlife #bbcearth #city #marinabaysands #gardensbythebay #nparksbuzz

A curious smooth coated otter checks out an invasive american bullfrog from beneath the water surface. Smooth coated otters can spent a few minutes underwater without surfacing, as well as using their sensitive whiskers to detect potential prey. 🦦🐸 #canonsg #earthcapture #nparksbuzz #otters #otter #frog #exploresingapore #singapore #visitsingapore #wildlifephotography #wild #urbanwildlife

Our urban common palm civets have outstanding night vision, which only them to spot prey and navigate during the night. Silently watching in the shadows, they are masters of stealth.🌜 #canonsg #civets #civet #nparksbuzz #exploresingapore #visitsingapore #singapore #urbanwildlife #bbcearth #earthcapture #night #wildlifephotography #wild

There is a young male smooth coated otter that frequents pasir ris park,affectionately named Oscar by regular park-goers. While observing it one evening, I was surprised at its enthusiasm in wanting to interact with anyone/anything that it comes across. From playing with dried leaves, splashing in rain puddles, to seeking out pet dogs and even people for interaction. This was something that was highly unusual, even among playful smooth coated otters. Perhaps it was really bored while on its quest to find a mate. Should we come across playful otters like these, we should refrain from interaction as much as possible, as adorable as it may seem. This is so that these otters do not get too comfortable with people, as we do not know the intentions of some people,as well as to reduce any chance of potential conflict. Hopefully Oscar will be able to find his mate soon. 🦦🌿 #canonsg #visitsingapore #exploresingapore #otter #otters #bbcearth #earthcapture #wildlifephotography #wild #singapore #urbanwildlife #nparksbuzz

Take a tumble.Smooth coated otter pups can be unsteady, as they try to find their feet while navigating their new surroundings. Fortunately, they are quite hardy and can take a fall or two while learning. 🦦🌿 #canonsg #worldotterday #worldotterday2025 #visitsingapore #otters #otter #singapore #exploresingapore #bbcearth #wildlifephotography #earthcapture #pup

Smooth coated otters rarely move pups that are below 5 weeks old. However, with the threat of other rival families in the area, or holts that are flooded due to torrential rainfall in Singapore, they will do what they can to keep the pups safe and dry.🦦🌿 #canonsg #exploresingapore #nparksbuzz #otters #otter #pup #pups #singapore #bbcearth #earthcapture #wildlifephotography #wildlife

There is a sambar doe in our forests nicknamed 'White Dot', after the distinctive white patch of fur on her forehead, and her white nose. Over the last couple of years, she has been growing well, from a fawn that tags with the adults, to being the most alert individual in her herd. Always on the lookout, she will be the first to highlight to her herd if she detects any potential threats. 🌿 #canonsg #sambardeer #sambar #visitsingapore #exploresingapore #nparksbuzz #wildlifephotography #wild #singapore

Resistance is futile. Much like cats, an otter mom will carry her pups by their scruff between places,usually till they are confident and strong enough to be running alongside her. The otter pups do not struggle when they are being carried, going limp and allowing mom to do her work. 🦦🌿 #canonsg #otters #otter #nparksbuzz #bbcearth #earthcapture #exploresingapore #visitsingapore #singapore #wild #wildlifephotography #pup #mom