Treasure trove of natural history
MEENA MENON
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Founded by eight residents of Mumbai in 1883, the BNHS has something for everyone.Today the Society pursues studies in natural history and conservation.
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The Society specialises in the conservation of threatened species and habitats. It also fosters the concept of nature clubs in many schools.
NATIONAL HERITAGE: Rich collection of specimens. PHOTO: PAUL NOROHNA
From breakfast with butterflies to watching flamingos and long trails in forests apart from minute studies of flora and fauna, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has something for everyone. Founded on September 15, 1883 by a group of eight residents of Mumbai who were interested in the study of natural history, the Society has grown into the "largest non governmental organisation" in the Indian sub-continent, which is pursuing studies in natural history and conservation.
On show
The Society specialises in the conservation of threatened species and habitats and was responsible very early on for focusing on the need to conserve forests and endangered habitats. The BNHS also fostered the concept of nature clubs along with the World Wide Fund for Nature and in many schools and areas, it is these nature clubs, which educate youngsters in nature studies, bird identification and instil in them a civic sense.
The Society's rich collection of specimens, including many rare ones, has been accorded the status of a National Heritage collection. There are a total of 26,000 birds, 20,000 mammals, 7,500 amphibians and reptiles and 50,000 insects, which are carefully maintained at its office premises at Hornbill House.
It is also engaged in research of various kinds, supported by the government and international agencies. Guided by Dr. Salim Ali's principle of scientific investigation, it has done extensive research on bird life, wetlands and other important ongoing projects. The Society is one way of learning and growing closer to Nature and its importance. It conducts several lectures, camps and outings for its members and has even started organising programmes for the public. The BNHS has won several awards including the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar and its distinguished members Dr Salim Ali and J. C. Daniel too have been honoured.
One hundred issues
The BNHS Journal is a treasure trove and has also completed 100 issues. It publishes a four-monthly journal, entitled The Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, as well as a quarterly magazine, Hornbill. The BNHS logo is of a hornbill named William, which lived in the Society premises in the early years of its existence.
India is one of the countries richest in biodiversity and the importance of preserving its bounty cannot be underestimated. The Society has several collections of specimens of its own, which are available for public viewing and it also conducts distance education courses in ornithology, entomology and biodiversity conservation, which are open to people of all ages. It has nearly 30 publications to its credit including Dr Salim Ali's beautifully illustrated The Book of Indian Birds and a rather useful double cassette of birdcalls.
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