Monitoring helped Mandai Wildlife Reserve identify bird-glass collision hotspots and progressively adjust mitigation to suit sites and operational needs.
Bird-glass collision was identified as an emerging risk within Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and the approach to managing it developed progressively through local technical guidance, operational learning and the evolving needs of an expanding precinct. This case study examines how monitoring informed the implementation of mitigation across a wildlife and nature destination in Singapore.
Collision records were reviewed by location, outcome and mitigation status to identify recurring hotspots and prioritise intervention. Where existing measures appeared insufficient, the findings prompted further site assessment and refinement of the mitigation approach. As no single solution suited every location, mitigation decisions required coordination across ecology and operational functions to balance effectiveness with operational needs, such as guest experience and cost. Measures were adapted to each site and included interim measures, alternative approaches such as vegetation screening, and bird-friendly glass treatments at priority locations.
This case highlights the role of operational monitoring in identifying collision hotspots, guiding mitigation priorities and assessing residual risk. Evidence accumulated over time supported the review of earlier decisions and changes in measures to suit site-specific conditions, while providing lessons for future design. It demonstrates how operational learning can support adaptive environmental management and inform the integration of bird-safe design into subsequent developments.
Suk Teng manages biodiversity initiatives at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, bringing together monitoring, performance reporting and on-ground measures to safeguard biodiversity.