BIRD MAN
NATURAL
HISTORY CONSULTANT SUBARAJ RAJATHURAI,
TAMPINES GRC
- Sharon Lim
Given the chance, Subaraj Rajathurai, 40, could go on and on about
the conservation of natural habitats in Singapore, especially his pet
topic of birds. He is especially in his elements walking through mangrove
swamps, mud flats, or the rainforest in Singapore and the region.
Subaraj has woven his passion for nature into his life, getting paid
to work in "the field". His weekends are packed, taking local
and foreign groups on guided nature tours. He also surveys the flora
and fauna for institutions and organisations to indicate the important
areas within the site to preserve.
His home-office window in Tampines offers a clear view of migratory
birds. Even his two sons, aged 8 and 3, are named after birds - Serin
and Saker. To the chagrin of his wife, their first words were "owl"
and "bird" respectively!
His love affair with nature came at a young age. "I was born with
an interest in nature and animals," Subaraj explains. In the 22
years that he has been championing nature conservation, there have been
a few highs and lows. He recognises, without a hint of resignation,
that there needs to be a balance between development and nature. "Development
is such that we cannot preserve everything. My aim is to save 80% of
our bio diversity in the least amount of land."
"It's important to educate people about nature that surrounds
us. That's what I do on my tours. I hope that by having been in nature,
they'll grow to appreciate it, and would therefore want it to remain
that way."
