Mar 25 2018

Asyraf Mansor

Dr Asyraf Mansor is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences, USM. He obtained his PhD in Plant Ecology from the University of London. Currently, his two main research areas are the population dynamics of rattan and the invasive plant species, Mimosa pigra and the role of plant animal interactions in seed dispersal and seedling survival. Dr Asyraf has been involved in a number of scientific expeditions, field studies, and consultancies including a major research project to study the biodiversity and ecology of tropical peatswamp forests in both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

In collaboration with several research institutes from Southeast Asia and Europe, Dr Asyraf has been involved with exploring various aspects of peatswamp forests including sustainable use of peatswamp resources. For the Penang State Forestry Department, he has assisted with gathering important baseline data on biodiversity and ecology of Permanent Forest Reserves in Penang. The findings of this work are featured in two USM publications: Ecological Survey on Natural Forests: A case study of Teluk Bahang and Bukit Panchor and Ecological Survey on Mangrove Forests: A case study of Balik Pulau and Pantai Acheh.

On Malaysia Day we celebrate all who are working in some capacity to preserve the natural heritage of our country because conservationists are patriots.

We know what it means to love this nation so intensely that we will endure untold hardships and time away from loved ones to complete our mission because our work is the tangible expression of our commitment to our country.

We will go to the mountain tops, to the depths of the seas, into the darkest caves, and distant forest interiors, and we will call ourselves lucky to have known this miraculous rain drenched country so well.

We know that we will never be rich, except in experiences and friendships, and we are at peace with that, because what is more important than ensuring that the beauty of nature and the lifeforce of this place persists?

We will lend our voices to speak for our fellow Malaysians that experience little of the opportunities that being a citizen in a developing nation should offer, but all of the instability and misery of a despoiled environment, declining resources and concern for the future.

We experience disappointment upon disappointment in our mission. Each loss of species or habitat or geological monument, now gone forever is deeply felt. Of late there are far too many of these losses and disappointments. Yet we find the resolve to preserve hope because we must.

When we criticise, as we are called to do, understand that it comes from a deep love and concern for the long-term welfare of this nation and its people, as much as it is for wild nature that has no voice and is now at our mercy.

Conservationists have no need of accolades. We do not expect to be admired for our sacrifice. We only ask one thing of all citizens and leaders – do right by our country. Protect our ecosystems and our natural heritage – these are where the true riches lie, these are what make Malaysia truly blessed, these are what our country needs to face the challenges that the future holds.

[Image taken from THF Bootcamp for Conservation Leaders, Penang National Park 2019]

Internship at THF provides opportunity for budding conservationist to learn the ropes

Internships are some of the ways in which tertiary students can get some insights into the world of conservation work as a foretaste of their future careers. Matthew Vergara shares some highlights from his recent experience at The Habitat Foundation.

RASMA volunteers get a taste of conservation work at The Habitat

Here at The Habitat Foundation, we are committed to empowering young and passionate nature enthusiasts who could be the future environmental conservation. We have continuously and consistently provided opportunities for young interns to learn, grow and contribute to the work that we do.