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).

3 DAYS AGO

#14 Behind the Buzz | Discovering Singapore's Insect Diversity

Shrink down into the world of Singapore's most misunderstood inhabitants – insects! Three passionate insect experts reveal the extraordinary diversity and importance of our six-legged neighbours. Sebastian (from NParks’ Conservation team), Lumin (a volunteer with NParks’ Dragonfly Watch) and Mao Sheng (an entomologist from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NUS) share captivating stories about Singapore's insect life including rare discoveries in our own parks and gardens. As they debunk some common myths, discover why insects deserve respect rather than fear, learn about the critical roles these tiny creatures play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and explore the surprising conservation challenges facing species that haven't even been scientifically documented yet. 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 new record of the Emerald Green Cockroach in Singapore in 2021. · More on the new record of the Golden Birdwing in Singapore in 2025. Sebastian, Lumin and Mao Sheng's recommendations: · A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Singapore · A Photographic Field Guide to the Dragonflies & Damselflies of Singapore · A Guide to the Bees of Singapore · A Photographic Guide to Singapore Spiders· ⁠Singapore Biodiversity Online

34 min
28/12/2025

#13 Spice of Life | Plants in Local Cuisine

Think you know gingers? Think again! From torch ginger that elevates your rojak to sand ginger that unlocks the secret to perfect gado gado sauce, discover the incredible world of plants hiding in plain sight on your dinner plate. Join Jana Leong-Škorničková, herbarium keeper and ginger expert from Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Chef Malcolm Lee, chef-owner of Candlenut and Pangium restaurants, as they take you on a flavourful journey through Singapore's culinary botanical landscape, and uncover the importance of taxonomy in preserving culinary heritage. Plus, find out why your life literally depends on herbarium collections, and how supporting wet markets can save banana varieties from extinction! Whether you're a foodie, a plant enthusiast, or simply curious about the secret ingredients that make Peranakan cuisine so special, this episode will change how you see the plants on your plate. 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 Discovery of Singapore's endemic ginger species: Singapore Ginger (Zingiber singapurense Škorničk) Jana and Malcolm's recommendations: · Ginger Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens · Nasi Ulam - the "Queen of Peranakan rice dishes"

43 min
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

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 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© NParks
Show Website

That’s Wild