Endangered Leopard Cats Discovered in Changi Forest to Be Relocated Ahead of Development
Five mainland leopard cats residing in the coastal forest of Changi are slated to be moved starting in the latter half of 2026 to safeguard them from present and upcoming projects, including the building of Changi Airport Terminal 5, as stated by the National Parks Board (NParks) and the non-governmental Singapore Wildcat Action Group (SWAG). The relocation initiative follows a community-initiated survey that confirmed the presence of a population in the area, marking the first time cubs have been spotted in more than a decade.
Tracking Changi’s Elusive Predators Through Community Science
The presence of this elusive species in Changi was initially uncovered in January 2019 following a fatal traffic incident involving one of the animals. According to SWAG, the population is believed to have originated from leopard cats that swam across the strait from nearby Pulau Tekong. To better understand the population and their behavior, SWAG launched a rapid survey in July 2025 with support from NParks. The effort involved more than 50 volunteers ranging in age from 10 to 83, who set up and maintained 18 motion-sensor cameras along the coastline and collected poop samples, resulting in a documentary about the process.
When the survey concluded in April, the group confirmed that five leopard cats lived in the area. Zhou Boyi, head of the terrestrial branch at the National Biodiversity Centre under NParks, described the survey as an outstanding illustration of a community-led science initiative that established a solid basis for future biodiversity management strategies. Mammal scientist Marcus Chua, who advised the conservation effort and serves as a mammal curator at NUS’ Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, noted that the appearance of this small population is an encouraging sign that leopard cats can persist if their habitats are protected in Singapore.
Why Development Outpaced Conservation in Changi
Leaving the Changi cats in their current location was ruled out due to shrinking forest cover and future land transformation. According to Chua, “With the amount of forest remaining and knowledge that development in the area would continue, it was clear that the existing area would not be able to support a population of leopard cats.” Even with steps taken to lessen development impacts, Chua pointed out that dwindling resources would fuel intense competition alongside a severe danger of motor vehicle accidents. The construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 is currently under way in the area, alongside land reclamation projects. Zhou noted the species’ need for large foraging areas, stating that relocation is in the interest of the animals’ welfare and long-term survival.
The Logistics of Relocating Critically Endangered Wildlife
Leopard cats are critically endangered in Singapore, with fewer than 50 estimated to reside in the country, mostly in Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, and the Western Catchment Area. To ensure the safety of the Changi population during the upcoming move, the cats will be trapped in collaboration with trained professionals, drawing on research from places such as Taiwan. NParks and SWAG announced that the precise locations of the new habitats will not be revealed, as public disclosure could attract unwanted visitors such as poachers.
Before release, each leopard cat will undergo assessment by veterinarians from NParks and Mandai Wildlife Group. They will then be moved to suitable habitats identified in consultation with SWAG and Chua, offering forest cover, suitable prey, and connectivity to find mates. NParks and SWAG stated that any relocation will be undertaken progressively and carefully, accompanied by ongoing monitoring.
Mitigating the Threat of Roadkill and Habitat Fragmentation
Beyond development, traffic remains a persistent hazard for the species. According to SWAG co-founder Vilma D’Rozario, roadkill is the main threat to leopard cats in Singapore, with traffic accidents having killed at least five of the animals over the last 25 years. This danger is exacerbated by forest loss that forces wildlife to cross busy roads. D’Rozario emphasized that while NParks provides fencing, the public must take responsibility to drive safely near forested areas, advising anyone who encounters a leopard cat to keep a safe distance and avoid approaching it.
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