Natural Sciences and Science Education Academic Group
National Institute of Education
Nanyang Technological University
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The Terrestrial Ecology Laboratory is primarily interested in tropical ecology and conservation biology in Southeast Asia, especially cryptic and understudied nocturnal mammals and other vertebrates, with the use and deployment of both established methodologies and upcoming technologies to investigate these ecological and conservation questions.
Ecological impacts of free-roaming dogs in Singapore
Funded by National Parks Board, Singapore
The ecological impact of free-roaming canids on native fauna has largely been based in temperate countries (i.e., wolves and coyotes) and within the Australasian region (i.e., dingoes). To date, the impacts of the free-roaming dogs in a tropical setting remains largely unknown despite being a major concern for conservation. To answer this mystery, Dajun (PhD by Research) is seeking new and established approaches to study the behaviors and characteristics of these dogs, and to examine the roles they play in our ecosystem.
For more information on his work, you may wish to contact him via email.
Improving habitat connectivity for Sunda Colugo at Mandai
Funded by Mandai Parks Holding, Singapore
The Colugo (as pictured) is neither a true lemur nor can it fly!
In Singapore, some of the Colugo habitats in the Mandai area will be facing disturbances as a result of upcoming plans to construct a new Bird Park and Rainforest Park. However, there are no prior studies on impacts of habitat disturbances on the movement patterns and habitat connectivity for this species. 
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Gina (MSc by research) takes on this project, with two main objectives in mind. The first is to carry out long-term and systematic documentation of Colugo movement patterns and habitat use in and around the development area. The second is to make use of the findings for mitigation measures to enhance habitat connectivity.
Habitat selection including the ecological significance of Singapore’s forest mammals
Funded by National Parks Board, Singapore
This study sets out to study five understudied small- and medium-sized forest mammals in Singapore. Within the limited literature, some of these mammals were suggested to play a role as seed disperser. Effective dispersal is crucial for plant reproduction, regeneration, and forest resilience. However, important questions regarding the habitat usage and ecological role of these mammals remains unanswered. 
Hence, the team of researchers in this project aims to improve the understanding of the movement and habitat use of these mammals. They also hope to track the movement of seeds and their animal dispersers through technological advances to unveil the ecological roles of the forest mammals as seed disperses. You can reach out to the research staff via their email: Joejyn (MSc by research) & Rachel.