That’s Wild

NParks

5.0 (6)
EDUCATION

That’s Wild brings together guests from the local nature community and our fellow colleagues from the National Parks Board to chat about what they love best – the wild and wonderful world of biodiversity, and how we are conserving the local flora and fauna here in Singapore, our City in Nature. A brand new season is here! New episodes will be released monthly. Hosted by nature guide and environmental educator Elliott James Ong (@hiddenwilds).

27/11/2025

#12 More Than Mushrooms | The Secret World of Fungi

Embark on a fascinating journey into the hidden world of fungi! Hear from mycology experts Serena Lee, Senior Manager of the Singapore Herbarium at NParks and Dr Amy Choong, Senior Lecturer at the National University of Singapore who share their captivating insights about Singapore's often overlooked but diverse fungal species. From giant puffballs to microscopic spores, discover how these remarkable organisms shape our ecosystems, influence our health, and even help to form rain. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Twitter. Find the transcript for this episode here. Mentioned in the episode: · More on E. J.H Corner. · More on Spongispora temasekensis, a new boletoid genus and species from Singapore. Serena and Amy’s recommendations: · A Guide to Macrofungi in Singapore · Mushroom Spotters Facebook Group · Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake · Molds, Mushrooms and Medicines by Nicholas P. Money

28 min
31/10/2025

#11 The Art of Science | Natural History Illustrations from 19th-Century Singapore

Ever wondered what Changi looked like before the airport was built? Or how scientists documented Singapore's wildlife before cameras existed? From a rare Shore Pit Viper drawing to a Japanese woodblock print of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, discover the fascinating world of natural history illustrations with Kathy Poh, Oral Historian from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NUS, and Dr Michele Rodda, Senior Researcher/Curator from Singapore Botanic Gardens, NParks, as they delve into how these nature illustrations continue to shape our understanding of Singapore's natural heritage. Plus, find out why these old-school drawings are still giving modern cameras a run for their money! If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Twitter. Find the transcript for this episode here. Mentioned in the episode: · Illustrations of Indian Zoology · Kubota Beisen’s woodblock prints of Singapore in 1889 · Eugen von Ransonnet’s lithographic print of Changi in 1876 · James de Alwis’ painting of Nervillia singaporensis in 1891 which was described in Singapore in 2020 · More on Signify · More on Singapore Herbarium’s digitalisationefforts Kathy and Michele’s recommendations: · Animal Crossing · Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Botanical Art Gallery

35 min
30/09/2025

#10 Lighting the Way | Environmental Education Careers in SG

What does it take to turn your passion for nature into a career? In this illuminating episode (pun intended!), we discover how two environmental educators found their calling in different corners of Singapore's biodiversity scene. Join Dr Samantha Lai, Deputy Director of the National Biodiversity Centre at NParks, and Dennis Chan, founder of The Untamed Paths, as they share about their journey in environmental education and conservation. In a delightful coincidence, both guests brought the same essential work tool for the episode’s show-and-tell segment – a light! Through their stories, Samantha and Dennis shed light on the diverse paths that the field of environmental education can offer aspiring nature educators. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Twitter. Find the transcript for this episode here. Mentioned in the episode: Garden Bird Watch Intertidal Watch Team Seagrass Festival of Biodiversity Samantha and Dennis’ recommendations: Changi Beach Panti Bird Sanctuary

30 min
30/08/2025

#9 Beyond Smuggling, What's Next? | Illegal Wildlife Trade Part 2

What happens to illegal wildlife after they’re seized from smugglers at Singapore’s borders? Discover dramatic rescue stories and learn how Singapore is stepping up efforts to combat wildlife trafficking through forensics, international collaboration and public education with Dr Anna Wong, Senior Director of the Wildlife Trade team at NParks and Dr Heng Yirui, a clinical veterinarian at Mandai Wildlife Group, as they reveal the complex journey of confiscated animals – from emergency veterinary care to rehabilitation.If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Twitter. Find the transcript for this episode here. Mentioned in the episode: More on the 2019 elephant ivory and pangolin scales seizure in Singapore.More on the two lions sedated after breaking free at Changi Airport in 2021.More on the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation here and the Centre for Wildlife Forensics here.More on the Mandai Action for Wildlife programme here.More on the CITES Global Youth Summit here. Anna and Yirui’s recommendations: Our Wild NeighboursSea of Shadows

30 min
31/07/2025

#8 From Songbirds to Jailbirds | Illegal Wildlife Trade Part 1

Around the region, forests are falling silent. Where did all the birdsong go? Join Dr Jessica Lee, Head of Avian Species Programmes & Partnerships at Mandai Nature, and Xie Renhui, Director of Wildlife Trade at NParks, as they dive into the intricacies of the illegal songbird trade, unpacking its main drivers and impacts on both songbird and human populations in the region. Jessica and Renhui touch on strategies that Mandai Nature and NParks have adopted to combat the illegal songbird trade, and share about their experiences putting forward a proposal to ban the commercial trade of the Straw-headed Bulbul at the 19th CITES Conference of Parties. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our ⁠website⁠ and follow us on our ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠Telegram⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠. Find the transcript for this episode ⁠here⁠. Mentioned in the episode: Learn more about CITES ⁠here⁠. More on the CITES Appendices ⁠here⁠. More on the IUCN SSC Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠. ⁠IUCN Red List for birds⁠ Renhui’s recommendation: ⁠In Pursuit of Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trade: Singapore

32 min
30/06/2025

#7 Wings of the City | Urban Birds in SG

Have you ever caught sight of the birds in the middle of our bustling city and wondered why they’re here? Hear from Keita Sin, President of Bird Society of Singapore, and Dr Malcolm Soh, Principal Researcher of Wildlife Management at NParks, as they delve into the world of urban birds and how these avian residents have adapted to city life. Sharing captivating stories of their encounters with both rare and common birds, Keita and Malcolm reveal insights from their research and explore the delicate balance between bird conservation and population management. Whether you're a bird enthusiast or simply curious about your daily encounters with these urban inhabitants, this episode offers a fresh look into Singapore's dynamic urban bird population. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Twitter. Find the transcript for this episode here. Mentioned in the episode: More on the Peregrine Falcon nesting at OCBC Centre2021 research study on the foraging strategies of feral pigeons and three other commensal bird species Keita and Malcolm’s recommendations: WingspanFly-A-WayThe Big Year (2011)

20 min
31/05/2025

#6 Croak Me Maybe | Frog Conservation in SG

It is Wednesday my dudes. Know this frog meme? Ing Sind, Ingg Thong (Herpetological Society of Singapore) and Yin Xin (National Biodiversity Centre, NParks) all know it too – and they know even more about frogs! Hop into their lively conversation with Elliott to hear more about the frogs in Singapore, their important role in the ecosystem, and how the Herpetological Society of Singapore’s Frog Call Library can help with conserving these charismatic critters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Twitter. Find the transcript for this episode here. Check out the frog call library on Herpetological Society of Singapore’s website. Ing Sing, Ingg Thong and Yin Xin’s book recommendations: The Amphibian Fauna of Peninsular Malaysia by P.Y. BerryThe Field Guide to the Frogs of Borneo by Robert F. IngerThe Field Guide to the Snakes of Borneo by Robert B. StuebingThe Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs & The Rise and Reign of Mammals, both by Steve Brusatte

32 min
15/03/2024

#5 From Solar-Powered Sea Slugs To Youth-Powered Change | Youth Action In Biodiversity Conservation

In this episode of That’s Wild, we shift our focus to the future of conservation – youths! Co-founders of the CITES Global Youth Network Ting Wai Kit and Steffi Tan (who is also part of NParks’ Wildlife Trade branch) sit down with Xiaoyun to exchange stories about their varied experiences in conservation, and the immense importance and joy of partnering with regional friends to protect Southeast Asian biodiversity. They also offer advice for fellow youths who want to contribute to conservation, but don’t know where to start. For listeners who fall in this category – you can start by giving this episode a listen! If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and stay tuned to our latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Find the transcript for this episode here Find out more about NParks’⁠ Youth Stewards for Nature programme Check out how World Wildlife Day Regional Youth Symposium 2024 went here Volunteer with the Nature Kakis Network Local organisations mentioned: Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity (SYVB) Bird Society of Singapore (BirdSoc SG) Herpetological Society of Singapore (HSS) LepakInSG Marine Stewards (they run FishX, ReefX) Inter-University Environmental Coalition (IUEC)

30 min
15/03/2024

#4 The Greenest Green You Would Ever See | Bird Conservation In SG

Listen to the delightful songs and calls of commonly-sighted birds in Singapore as Movin Nyanasengeran (Bird Society of Singapore) and Dillen Ng (National Biodiversity Centre at NParks) take us through the complexities of birdsong and calls, recount their own birding adventures, and give us a bird’s eye view of our bird conservation efforts here in Singapore. Come take a gander – their lively conversation will have you en-raptor-ed for sure. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and stay tuned to our latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Find the transcript for this episode here Participate in NParks’⁠ citizen science programmes: Garden Bird Watch Heron Watch Learn more about local birds on the Singapore Birds Database, established as part of the Bird Society of Singapore Credits for bird calls/song recordings from Xeno-Canto: Ding Li Yong, Okamoto Keita Sin, Joshua Chong, Kim Chuah Lim, Peter Boesman, Lars Buckx, Marcel Finlay

29 min
15/03/2024

#3 The Story of A Boring Sponge | Marine Discoveries In SG

In this episode of That's Wild, we dive deep into the underwater world and talk about the surprising ‘re-discovery’ of the Neptune’s Cup sponge after its last sighting in Singapore waters in the 1870s. Hear more from Karenne Tun, Director of National Biodiversity Centre at NParks, who was on the very dive where the sponge was first sighted again; and from Sam Shu Qin, co-founder of Our Singapore Reefs, who now leads regular community dive surveys of the Neptune’s Cup sponge population in our waters. Karenne and Sam also speak about marine conservation in Singapore, the importance of citizen science, and share a fact or two about fascinating underwater critters. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and stay tuned to our latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Find the transcript for this episode here Participate in NParks’⁠ Intertidal Watch to document and monitor the intertidal biodiversity in Singapore Resources mentioned in this episode: 2022 study conducted on the Neptune’s Cup sponge Click here to access Biome and download the SGBioAtlas app

28 min
15/03/2024

#2 No Butterflies w/o Caterpillars | Human-Wildlife Encounters In SG

What’s the scariest animal that Choon Beng has ever seen? The answer isn’t what you think it is. Join reptile and amphibian enthusiasts Law Ing Sind and Law Ingg Thong (aka the Law Brothers) and NParks’ Group Director of Wildlife Management How Choon Beng, as they share about how human-wildlife encounters are managed in Singapore, and what it means to co-exist with our wild companions in our City in Nature. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and stay tuned to our latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Find the transcript for this episode here. Check out the NParks Wildlife Booklet, a guidebook which covers several wildlife species commonly encountered in Singapore and the dos and don’ts when you encounter them. Interested to find out more about the human-wildlife encounters in Singapore? Tune in to our series of public webinars hosted by NParks here. Note: All biodiversity surveys were conducted with the appropriate research permits. The public is reminded that to stay on designated trails, as well as take note of the opening and closing times of our nature reserves and nature parks.

21 min
11/03/2024

#1 What’s Wild? | A Unique Approach To Rewilding In SG

Is there wilderness in Singapore? Xiaoyun unpacks this question with NParks’ Group Director of Conservation Lim Liang Jim, exploring how our perceptions of the ‘wilderness’ come to be, and how, through our Nature Conservation Masterplan, we have set out to rewild and conserve the diverse pockets of green nestled within Singapore’s lush cityscape. If you enjoyed this episode, follow us and check out the other episodes of our podcast series, That’s Wild! That’s Wild is brought to you by the National Parks Board. Visit our website and stay tuned to our latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Find the transcript for this episode here. Resources mentioned in this episode: NParks’ Nature Conservation Masterplan Handbook on Habitat Restoration More on NParks’ rewilding efforts More on Jadav Payeng More on rewilding in Yellowstone National Park

25 min

12 Episodes

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

That’s Wild brings together guests from the local nature community and our fellow colleagues from the National Parks Board to chat about what they love best – the wild and wonderful world of biodiversity, and how we are conserving the local flora and fauna here in Singapore, our City in Nature. A brand new season is here! New episodes will be released monthly. Hosted by nature guide and environmental educator Elliott James Ong (@hiddenwilds).

Creator

NParks
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© NParks
Show Website

That’s Wild

Language Learning

Language Learning

Updated weekly