Roopali Raghavan is dedicated to protecting some of Southeast Asia's most threatened species.
With a lifelong passion for wildlife and a deep commitment to restoring balance in nature, her work at Mandai Nature, together with dedicated partners across the region ensures that these animals have a fighting chance to thrive in the wild, while also restoring their habitats and benefitting local communities.
Roopali, who is Head of Terrestrial Species and Conservation Planning at Mandai Nature, the conservation arm of Mandai Wildlife Group, shares more about how collaboration is key to conservation success and why protecting wildlife is ultimately about securing our own future.
We chat with Roopali as part of our 'People of Purpose' series, which spotlights colleagues across the Temasek Trust ecosystem driving meaningful impact.
Could you tell us about yourself and the work you do at Mandai Nature?
Mandai Nature supports over 40 conservation projects across Southeast Asia, focusing on highly threatened species, like the Rote snake-necked turtle, Sumatran orangutan and Asiatic black bear.
Rote snake-necked turtle (Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group) and Sumatran orangutans (Photo credit: Orangutan Information Centre).
In my role as Head of Terrestrial Species and Conservation Planning, I work closely with our partners in the field, who are dedicated to protecting wildlife in their habitats and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
A big part of my work also involves facilitating workshops that bring diverse stakeholders from around the world together to develop conservation plans for threatened species. We identify challenges, find solutions, and get everyone on the same page from the very beginning.
(Left) Roopali speaking at a conservation planning workshop for the Philippine eagle, co-facilitated by Mandai Nature. (Photo credit: Philippine Eagle Foundation.) (Right) Participants at a workshop co-organised by Mandai Nature to develop a 10-year Sabah Hornbill Action Plan. (Photo: Sanjitpal Singh.)
What drives you, and why is it meaningful to you?
I have loved animals since I was a young kid. I studied zoology and wildlife science, so finding a job that contributes to protecting wildlife is very rewarding in itself.
I’m driven by the desire to restore balance in nature and help species thrive in the wild. Knowing that my efforts can contribute to the survival of animals and their ecosystems for future generations keeps me motivated every day.
What's a key lesson in protecting some of the most threatened terrestrial species in Southeast Asia?
One thing I’ve learnt is that teamwork and partnerships are essential when it comes to wildlife conservation.
It’s not just about what one organisation can do alone — it’s about joining forces with others who share the same commitment to protecting nature.
Roopali with regional conservation partners during a field trip to the Leuser ecosystem in Sumatra, Indonesia. (Photo credit: Mandai Nature)
Success depends on bringing together diverse stakeholders — not just conservation organisations, but also scientists, government agencies, businesses and local communities.
When we all work together, we can create a much greater and lasting impact for wildlife, ecosystems, and communities.
Roopali helping out with a population field survey for the Palawan forest turtle during a field trip to Palawan, the Philippines. (Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group)
What do you appreciate about Mandai Nature being part of the Temasek Trust ecosystem?
What makes the Temasek Trust ecosystem special is the diverse network of organisations that we can partner with.
This opens doors for us to share, learn, and collaborate with NGOs and companies in the climate, philanthropy and social impact space. You don’t often find this level of cooperation in conservation work.
What is your vision for the future of wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia and across the world?
I would love to see a united community working together to prevent extinction and protect nature — because that also means a safer future for us humans too.
I hope to see more people getting involved in conservation, even those who aren’t necessarily passionate about animals or plants. Nature is something that affects all of us, so we all have a role to play in protecting it!
Do you have a favourite species?
Yes! In Singapore, it has to be the long-tailed macaque.
Macaques are often misunderstood because their behaviour is often misinterpreted as aggressive or problematic. But, in reality, they are highly intelligent and social animals, and simply trying to navigate a world that has changed around them.
Wild long-tailed macaques in Singapore. (Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group)
That's why I'm glad to work with many like-minded people to change perceptions and promote peaceful co-existence, so that we can appreciate them as one of our "wild neighbours" here in Singapore!
Roopali hosting Asian youth climate leaders during a guided visit to the Singapore Zoo (left) and engaging youths on biodiversity conservation awareness during the Festival of Biodiversity (right). (Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group)
Purpose in Action
'People of Purpose' is a series that spotlights colleagues across the Temasek Trust ecosystem who are driving meaningful impact – sharing not just what they do, but what drives them and how they work with partners across sectors to achieve common goals. Each story reflects the spirit of collective action and our shared journey toward inclusive, sustainable change.
Mandai Nature is dedicated to advancing efforts on biodiversity conservation in Asia, with a focus on averting species extinction, especially in Southeast Asia. It focuses on reversing and slowing species loss, protecting and restoring ecosystems and habitats, as well as engaging and benefitting local communities.
To learn more, check out Mandai Nature's website, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
To stay updated on the Temasek Trust and our ecosystem, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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