Can the Dead Save the Earth? Holistic Learning Using Natural History Collections

A postgraduate student presenting his group’s showcase. Photo by Clare Yong.

The LKCNHM’s postgraduate module Natural History Collections and Conservation (BL5312) concluded its 3rd run in May of 2022. The module aims to develop an understanding of the key roles played by collections in science communication and education. From the field to museum shelves, students learn about specimen acquisition and maintenance, discovering how collections can aid biodiversity research and conservation. The module allows students to assess the significance of natural history collections with a broader viewpoint, from Southeast Asia to the world.

The lectures and guided museum tours culminated in a final group project assessment using specimens from LKCNHM’s Zoological Reference Collection. The students curated a mini-exhibition in collaboration with the gallery team of Kate Pocklington and Ruzaini bin Ghazali. Titled “Reflections”, the exhibition was held in conjunction with the Singapore HeritageFest 2022 and is now showing in LKCNHM from April—December 2022.

One of the showcases titled “Crikey Stripey” features striped fish and shrimps native to Singapore, alongside a tiger specimen. We spoke to one of the students from the group to find out more about their thought process behind their curation!

The “Crikey Stripey” showcase currently on display at LKCNHM. Photo by Clare Yong.

Why did your team choose the tiger as your specimen of choice and how did the concept of using stripes come about? 

We chose the tiger because this year, 2022, is the year of the tiger. We read the book, “Temasekia: 50 Plants and Animals Native to Singapore” (Edited by Chua, 2015), and found two species, the Tigger shrimp and the narrow-barred mangrove goby, that resemble the tiger in their striped appearance. In fact, these two species were named after the tiger! The shrimp is named after Tigger, the iconic character from the “Winnie the Pooh” series. While for the goby, its Latin specific name is tigrinus which means “pertaining to tigers”. Hence, the stripes concept came about as we wanted to highlight these species that share these tiger-like traits!

How did this concept satisfy your project requirements?

As part of the Singapore HeritageFest 2022, we were tasked to create a showcase that incorporates the natural heritage of Singapore. We wanted to feature species that are (or were, in the case of the Malayan tiger) native to Singapore. The tiger is an important part of our natural heritage that has been lost, while the shrimp and the goby form part of our natural heritage that still exists. We aim to prompt visitors to reflect upon our natural heritage, particularly to cherish Singapore’s biodiversity and protect it for the future.

If you are keen to learn more about our module, click here.