Why non-native species like the golden-backed weaver and monk parakeet need to be dealt with before they spread elsewhere. Synopsis (headphones recommended): In our first audio trail of Singapore’s nature spaces, The Straits Times explores the ins and outs of creatures in these places with those who know them well. Listen to birdsong at the Kranji Marshes with the president and vice-president of freshly hatched conservation group Bird Society of Singapore Keita Sin and Movin Nyanasengeran who take ST journalist Ang Qing around one of the largest freshwater marshes here. During a two-hour walk, they experience a morning at the remote park, which is home to more than 170 birds in north-western Singapore. They banter on all things bird-related, from ‘parrot politics’ to the mounting threat of invasive bird species to Singapore and South-east Asia. This comes as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services reported in September that more than 3,500 harmful invasive species have cost the global economy at least US$423 billion (S$576 billion) a year. And the annual expense has quadrupled every decade since the 1970s. You can also read our accompanying ST podcast article to see pictures of the various bird species mentioned (link below).  Highlights (click/tap above): 1:49 The tale of the golden-backed weaver and what it means for Singapore 6:47 Parrot pet problems and ‘politics’ 8:55 What you need to know about Kranji Marshes 9:25 The origins and ambitions of Bird Society of Singapore 15:55 Debunking common myths about birds To see the various bird species named in this podcast, read our podcast article: https://str.sg/ichq Produced by: Ang Qing ([email protected]), Ernest Luis, Hadyu Rahim, Teo Tong Kai & Paxton Pang Edited by: Hadyu Rahim Discover The Bird Society of Singapore: https://str.sg/ichc Follow Green Pulse Podcast channel here and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWaY Spotify: https://str.sg/JWag Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/J6EV  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: [email protected] Follow Ang Qing on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ichp Read her articles: https://str.sg/i5gT --- Discover more ST podcast channels: COE Watch: https://str.sg/iTtE In Your Opinion: https://str.sg/w7Qt Asian Insider: https://str.sg/JWa7 Health Check  https://str.sg/JWaN Green Pulse: https://str.sg/JWaf Your Money & Career: https://str.sg/wB2m ST Sports Talk: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures: https://str.sg/JWad Music Lab: https://str.sg/w9TX Discover ST Podcasts: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Special edition series: True Crimes Of Asia (6 eps): https://str.sg/i44T The Unsolved Mysteries of South-east Asia (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuZ2 Invisible Asia (9 eps): https://str.sg/wuZn Stop Scams (10 eps): https://str.sg/wuZB Singapore's War On Covid (5 eps): https://str.sg/wuJa --- Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts! #greenpulse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.