Critically endangered pangolin and baby take early morning stroll at Hillview

A Stomper was surprised to see a critically endangered pangolin at Hillview on Tuesday morning (Sep 19).

Stomper Willem said he was walking to Hillview MRT Station at about 6.30am when he saw a pangolin with a baby on its back.

"I saw this creature on the other side of the road," he said.

"It looks like an armadillo with a baby on board."

The creature is actually a pangolin, identified by its full armour of scales.

Willem added this is the first time he has seen pangolins in the area and wanted to share this after other recent animal sightings.

According to NParks, the Sunda pangolin is a shy, nocturnal, solitary mammal that curls into an armoured ball when threatened.

It is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

"In Singapore, the pangolins face the greatest threat from rapid urbanisation that resulted in massive habitat loss. The slow-moving pangolins are also often injured or killed by vehicles when they stray off too far from the forested areas onto roads," NParks said on its website.

Here is what you should do if you encounter a pangolin:

• Do not be alarmed. These animals are shy and will not attack humans.

• Do not touch, chase or corner them, as they will be frightened by your approach. You are advised to leave them alone.

• Observe them! It is not very often that you will get to see a live pangolin. Share your findings with pangolin research and welfare groups.