Lifelong commitment to nature

A unique passion: All caves interest the Fifth Earl of Cranbrook, Dr Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy (in blue shirt and yellow helmet), seen here trying to identify fossils found in Naga Mas Cave in Gopeng, Perak. — Filepic

Biologist receives top honours for his exemplary commitment to the natural world.

Few of us know it, but much of what we know today about swiftlets in Sabah and Sarawak is thanks to a member of the English nobility. Studying the biology and behaviour of the tiny birds which build edible nests has been the lifelong interest of British conservationist Dr Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy, Fifth Earl of Cranbrook.