KUCHING: Nearly seven decades after his work in Sarawak began, British zoologist and conservationist Datuk Seri Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy is being remembered for a body of research that helped deepen scientific understanding of the State’s prehistoric past and biodiversity.
Cranbrook, the 5th Earl of Cranbrook and better known during his early years as Lord Medway, passed away last month at the age of 93.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), which paid tribute to him on Sept 1, said Cranbrook was born on June 20, 1933 and passed away on Aug 24.
His association with Sarawak began in the 1950s, when he worked with the Sarawak Museum and became involved in research into Borneo’s natural history.
One of his most significant contributions came through his involvement in archaeological research at the Niah Caves, where he examined animal remains recovered during excavations.
His study of the remains helped researchers build a clearer picture of the animals that inhabited prehistoric Sarawak and provided evidence of how early human communities interacted with their surrounding environment.
The work would become part of a much longer scientific career centred on the natural history of Borneo.
Over the following decades, Cranbrook carried out extensive research into the region’s mammals and other wildlife, contributing to the scientific documentation and understanding of Borneo’s biodiversity.
His research interests also extended to cave swiftlets and edible bird’s nests, including their biology, conservation and the sustainable management of bird’s nest harvesting.
Beyond zoological research, Cranbrook was involved in discussions surrounding forest management and conservation in Sarawak.
In 1989, he led an International Tropical Timber Organisation mission to examine forest management in the State, which subsequently produced recommendations on sustainable timber harvesting and forest management.
His long association with Sarawak also saw him work alongside scientists, museum researchers, foresters and conservationists over several generations.
Sarawak recognised his contributions in 2005 when he was conferred the Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak (PNBS), which carries the title ‘Dato Sri’.
His contributions to Malaysia were further recognised in 2014 when he received the Merdeka Award under the Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia category.
Despite beginning his work in Sarawak in the 1950s, Cranbrook maintained his connection with Sarawak and continued contributing to research concerning its natural and archaeological heritage in the decades that followed.
His passing brings to a close an association with Sarawak spanning almost seven decades, leaving behind a body of scientific work documenting Sarawak’s archaeology, wildlife and natural environment.
