Skyscrapers Are Killing Migratory Birds In Land-Scarce Singapore

The skyscrapers in land-scarce Singapore are increasingly harming migratory bird populations, a study by the researchers at Nature Society and the National University of Singapore revealed.

The study, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, concluded that between 1998 and 2016, 237 migratory birds collided with buildings, and 157 of them, or about 66 per cent, died.

115 of the 237 collisions took place in the Central Business District area and a few residential areas on the fringes of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. These two areas were responsible for the 73 per cent of the collisions.

The study said: "The birds most vulnerable to collisions with man-made structures are migratory species whose routes pass through major urban centres."

"The problem is exacerbated by light pollution from urban buildings at night, which both attracts and disorientates night-flying birds, leading to increased collision rates in urban areas."

Skyscrapers all around the world disturbing the migratory bird populations and costing them lives are not unique to Singapore. In many dense cities around the world such as New York and Hong Kong, similar issues continue to occur.