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wild people: Nick Baker I first met Nick when I volunteered at Sungei Buloh as a guide. I remember Nick's warm welcome, in particular, his support when I first started my own little website on Sungei Buloh. I was also inspired by Nick's extensive knowledge of vertebrates, especially snakes. Nick is generous in sharing his stories and information and his formal training sessions are fun learning experiences. His encouragement really helps new guides like me gain confidence quickly. Nick's energy and good humor always makes a walk with him most enjoyable. Nick is never boring! Nick's awesome website, www.ecologyasia.com is still something I aspire to achieve. Packed with factsheets and an incredible listing of media articles from all over Asia covering environmental issues, it is invaluable to those of us who want to learn more about our wild places. I still don't know how Nick does it :-) Nick is also a great nature photographer. I will always remember Nick for being the first to get shots of the endearing family of otters at Sungei Buloh. Here is his article and photos of these incredible creatures, that live wild and free at the Reserve. Nick also has wonderful pictures of all kinds of snakes and other reptiles. Here is more about Nick in his own words ... How did you first get involved in working for nature in Singapore? As a child I was always interested in, and sometimes passionate, about the wildlife in England. First it was butterflies, and later birds. After graduating in 1979 I came to Asia, based myself in Singapore and started working in the region's oil industry. My work schedule, different cultures and other distractions took my focus elsewhere. Then, I suppose, some time in the mid-1990's my love for nature started to reappear, perhaps rekindled by the increasing environmental degradation apparent all around Southeast Asia. So I joined the Nature Society (Singapore). What do you get out of working for nature? Friends, camraderie, and a sense of doing something really worthwhile, and contributing to a better world for all - animals and humans. What is your approach/personal motto in your work? I try not to bore people with my passion : its important to maintain a sense of humour. What are some of your current projects? I'm currently Chairman of the Vertebrate Study Group of the Nature Society (Singapore): I'm trying to increase the outreach activities of this group, and at the same time improve our handling of wildlife sightings so that we have a comprehensive, easily searchable database of Singapore's vertebrates (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes ... we leave the birds to others). Nick is webmaster of www.ecologyasia.com You can contact Nick through his website As Nick says, he is getting older but still young at heart. His daytime job is as a petroleum geologist. His volunteer activities include running www.ecologyasia.com, Chairman of the Vertebrate Study Group of the Nature Society (Singapore) and assists in wildlife surveys at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. He recently completed the snake survey of the Reserve. Posted by otterman Posted on 10/08/04 11:18 Nick's Ecology Asia site is a treasure house of information and a resource that I use regualrly for Habitatnews! Thanks Nick! More on how YOU can make a difference too...

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these blog entries were first uploaded on MoBlog Singapore! Celebrate Singapore NDP 04 website©ria tan 2004