Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Suzairi Zakaria was alarmed by Malaysia's loss of plant species due to deforestation and resolved to...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - Suzairi Zakaria was alarmed by Malaysia's loss of plant species due to deforestation and resolved to take direct action to save them in his native state of Terengganu.
According to data from the United States-based Global Forest Watch, the Southeast Asian nation, which is surrounded by rainforests rich in biodiversity, has lost nearly 29 percent of its tree cover since 2001 due to activities such as palm cultivation and logging.
Suzairi, who wore a blue floppy hat and a T-shirt with a phrase calling biodiversity loss "a silent murderer," claimed he had turned his backyard into an endangered species conservatory to protect thousands of plants, primarily wild orchids.
"When I go there, I see that many varieties of orchids or plants are going away," the 46-year-old told Reuters.
After squatting in a woodland clearing to picture some little white blooms, he said, "I decided it would be better for me to conserve the plants and bring them back and replace them at home."
Suzairi estimates that since 2015, when he first noticed the devastation caused by logging in the places where he worked, he has assisted in the conservation of over 2,000 species, including more than 200 types of wild orchids treasured for their vibrant colors.
His jungle photography sales help to fund his conservation efforts. Researchers and hobbyists have also benefited from the work, which has assisted them in identifying and documenting flora for future reference.
Jamilah Mohd Salim, a specialist in forest ecology and plant biodiversity at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in the eastern coastal state, stated, "He has a rare skill, where he can transmit his scientific knowledge to the people."
Suzairi learned about the jungle and its vegetation while recording the life of the indigenous Bateq, one of the country's oldest nomadic tribes.
"There are orchid species that have yet to be named, so we would be unaware of their existence if we did not save or save them," he continued.
