The small island republic of Singapore has seen a considerable amount of urbanisation and population explosion in the past few decades. As a result, many natural areas have been cleared for development. These include large tracts of mature rainforest, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. The decline in expanse of these natural habitats has resulted in the corresponding decline, and in some instances, complete local extinction of their associated wildlife.
Here, only some of the numerous endangered animal species in Singapore are featured. These may not necessarily be rare; in fact some are actually quite common. However their abundance is determined by the condition of their preferred natural habitats. These usually habitat-specific species may be restricted to ecosystems which are in danger of being destroyed either by reclamation or by pollution. In the case of some communal-nesting birds, their numbers may be severely decimated by disturbance inflicted on their main breeding colony.
In addition, the population of certain animals may be threatened by uncontrolled and often illegal exploitation for human use. The introduction of foreign animals may spell disaster for certain native species as they may face competition from a more vigorous counterpart, or contract fatal alien diseases which could wipe out entire populations.
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