JUST because you didn’t study a subject you love doesn’t mean that you can’t pursue it when you go out into the work force. Mohd Ros Effendi, who hails from Perlis, studied business rather than something related to nature but upon graduation, decided to follow his heart.
Effendi, as he’s known, was able to return to nature when he landed a job with an eco-tourism company. He made the most of this opportunity, learning as much as he could on the job. Today, he’s helping to design interesting activities for people to experience and appreciate nature.
WHY DIDN’T YOU STUDY SCIENCE OR SOMETHING RELATED TO NATURE?
I was actually in the Science stream in secondary school but after I finished SPM, I wanted a change so I took up a Business Management course in college. Of course, if I could go back in time, I probably would have probably taken on a science course that would allow me to further study birds. But I don’t regret having taken a business course as I learned about communications, operations and strategy, which are all useful for my career development.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN NATURE?
I applied for a job with JungleWalla, a nature tourism company. I was assigned to follow a naturalist named Irshad Mobarak who trained me to become a nature guide. I quickly realised that this was my true calling - to be with nature.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT NATURE THAT INSPIRES YOU SO MUCH?
I’d say it is nature’s adaptability. For example, owls have feather modifications that have evolved to minimise sound so as to avoid being noticed by its prey. In some other bird species, we see modifications associated with display behaviours for mating. Nature adapts to survive.
DO YOU PREFER FAUNA OR FLORA?
It’s a tough question considering both are vital to nature. Flora produces the oxygen that the fauna needs. Fauna, in turn, exhales carbon dioxide that the flora needs. But I love to look at animal behaviour so maybe I’d choose fauna.
It’s amazing to look at how animals interact with each other and with the environment. Last year, I got to witness the behaviour of the White-Bellied Sea Eagle where the male locked toes with the female and they began to spin together in the air as a courtship ritual before mating. It was quite an amazing sight.
WHAT JOB ARE YOU CURRENTLY DOING NOW?
I’m currently the head of department at Darulaman Sanctuary in Lubuk Semilang, Langkawi. I’m responsible for developing nature-based activities there like jungle walks, jungle trekking, birdwatching and night activities inside the rainforest. The rainforests of Darulaman Sanctuary are home to over 100 species of herbs used by the locals, and many different species of birds.
WHAT’S A MEMORABLE NATURE PROJECT THAT YOU’VE DONE?
My previous company, JungleWalla, once sent me to Penang Hill to do a spider report for The Habitat Penang Hill. It’s basically to list the different spiders that can be found in The Habitat and a little bit about their behaviour. It was an incredible experience as I got to see for the first time a Liphistius desultory, commonly known as the Malaysian Trapdoor Spider, which is so beautiful. The Habitat on top of Penang Hill is an amazing place in Malaysia
WHAT PROJECT WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO MOST IN THE FUTURE?
To travel and do birdwatching all around Malaysia.
DO YOU USE THE INTERNET A LOT?
I wouldn’t say a lot but when I do, it’s usually to read articles about the environment and the flora and fauna. I love to read scientific papers relating to what I am doing now. I also use the Internet to see pictures of birds posted by people around the world.
DO YOU WATCH A LOT OF NATURE DOCUMENTARIES?
I do and I never tire of watching them. Whenever I turn on the television, the first channel that I will turn to is National Geographic. It has been like that ever since I was a young boy. I love to watch documentaries about animals and the universe.
DO YOU THINK THE TYPICAL MALAYSIAN APPRECIATES NATURE?
Yes, I would say so. A survey conducted by Merdeka Centre in December 2016 found that 81 per cent of Malaysians expressed concerns about climate change. Malaysians nowadays have started to pay attention to what’s happening to the environment. People are beginning to realise that if biodiversity systems are disturbed, it would negatively affect future generations.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR A CITY SLICKER TO GO BACK TO NATURE?
All it takes is a willingness to go back to nature. If you want to do it, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Malaysia has a lot of interesting natural places that we can visit, so during your days off, you can always just go to one of those places. It’s easy. You can use the Internet to check the various nature destinations in Malaysia. You could join clubs that do outdoor activities. There are also eco-tours that are very good. There are many options now.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE NEW GOVERNMENT TO DO REGARDING NATURE?
Malaysia is ranked 12th globally as one of the most mega diverse countries in the world. With over 15,000 species of vascular plants and 150,000 species of animals, our country could become the top destination for nature lovers from all around the world. So my hope is for the government to strengthen laws to protect nature and to hear the voices that support the protection of our wildlife and its habitats.