The Sunday Times reported earlier this month about sightings of saltwater crocodiles in Sungei Buloh. Singapore should consider funding a research partnership with amphibian and reptile expert Dr Brady Barr to further the cause of nature conservation in the country.
By Michael Au Kah Wai
The Sunday Times
Tuesday, Jun 25, 2013
SINGAPORE – My son, Benjamin, was one of 15 Singaporean pupils aged between seven and 10 who were selected for the inaugural National Geographic Channel’s Young Explorer Programme.
This programme, alongside his school’s commitment to environmental awareness, recycling efforts and his co-curricular activity as a Cub Scout, has kindled his keen interest in nature conservation, exploration and adventure.
When The Sunday Times reported earlier this month that there were sightings of crocodiles in Sungei Buloh (“Catch crocs in Sungei Buloh”; June 2), Benjamin was so excited that he could hardly wait to share the news with reptile and amphibian expert Brady Barr, whom he met at the Endau Rompin National Park from June 7 to 9.
The three-day, two-night programme in the park helped both the adult and child participants to reconnect with nature and exploration. One of the accompanying parents even said that we were lucky to be there because of our children.
Indeed, all 14 pairs of child-parent teams had a great time trekking through forests, crossing rivers, soaking in the rain, and trapping and releasing insects, crawlies and more.
Perhaps a local research partnership with Dr Barr could be considered so that the crocodiles in Singapore could be further studied and conserved.
Who knows, it may nurture the growth and development of locally born, urban-bred naturalists, who will delve further into the ecological studies of Singapore’s flora and fauna
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