Monday September 15, 2008

Wildlife movement loses top scientist

KULTIDA SAMABUDDHI : Thailand's wildlife and biodiversity movement has been shaken by the sudden death of prominent taxonomist Jarujin Nabhitabhata.

Jarujin's lifetime of work on reptiles and amphibians has been fundamental to conservation work in the country.

Jarujin, director of the National Science Museum's Ecology and Environment Centre, died on Friday during a routine mole-removal operation at a private clinic in Bang Kapi district.

He was 58.

Caretaker Deputy Public Health Minister Wicharn Meenchainant said anaesthetic allergy was the suspected cause of death.

However confirmation is awaiting the results of an autopsy.

Hundreds of environmentalists and natural scientists attended the taxonomist's funeral at Wat Phra Si Maha That in Bang Khen yesterday.

''He was a jack of all trades naturalist. His departure is a huge loss to the biodiversity protection movement here,'' said wildlife expert Sompote Srikosamat, of Mahidol University's faculty of sciences.

Jarujin was a devoted naturalist with exceptional communication skills that help the general public to easily understand natural sciences and taxonomy, he said.

''Without his hard work and deep knowledge about nature, Thailand's wildlife and biodiversity conservation could not have come this far,'' he said.

Jarujin had directed the work on taxonomy and science museum management for a long time. Without him, the works are in danger of disruption and this could jeopardise natural sciences learning and biodiversity conservation in the country, Mr Sompote said.

He called on younger taxonomists and those in charge of science museums to pursue the late naturalist's efforts in studying wildlife and seeking to protect rare species from extinction.

Rataya Chanthien, the chairman of the Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation, said Jarujin's in-depth studies on reptiles, amphibians and butterflies had bolstered green groups' activities to preserve the environment and forests.

Ms Rataya last met Jurajin last month when he attended a brainstorming forum on the amendment of Wildlife Conservation and Protection and the National Park acts.

''He strongly disagreed with the amendment of both acts, which would pave the way for the use of wildlife resources and forests for business purposes,'' she said.

Jarujin earned both Bachelor and Master degrees from Kasetsart University in Bangkok.

While many scientists focus on the study and conservation of large animals, he was interested in smaller and less popular species such as centipedes, snakes, lizards and mongooses.

He was also an expert on butterflies and moths.

He conducted a large number of research works concerning ecological and environmental issues for both the government and the private sector and has written extensively.

His two latest books are Butterflies in Thailand and The Field Guide to the Butterflies of Thailand.

He leaves behind a wife, a daughter and a son.