I refer to the report, "Researchers call for protection of SAF training area to preserve feeding ground for Raffles' banded langur" (May 26).

It is of the utmost importance that, as Singaporeans, we protect our natural heritage and act quickly to preserve this patch of forest on Upper Thomson Road that is home to the critically endangered Raffles' banded langurs.

I wish to point out the uniqueness of this monkey. This species is endemic to Singapore and Malaysia, and is the only leaf-eating monkey in Singapore. It was also named after Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, as he discovered it right here on our tiny island.

Thanks to the untiring efforts of local conservationists, there is now a recovering population of the langurs. If we do not heed the advice of scientists and wildlife specialists, we are bound to repeat history, and the existence of the Raffles' banded langurs will again be in a precarious state.

There is no severe shortage of land available for the development of residential estates. There are other spaces available for these developments.

After clearing the Tagore and Lentor forest, which has already subjected the langurs to ever-decreasing living space, removing this patch of forest in an adjoining area may have severe consequences for the langurs’ access to food, and ultimately, their survival.

I request that the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Government reassess this decision and show more consideration for the well-being of this critically endangered species. 

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