A Repository of Faunal Biodiversity 

The BNHS since its inception has been involved in the study of Flora and Fauna of the Indian subcontinent. The movement which was started in 1883 by eight people exchanging notes of Natural History interest and depositing the specimens collected by them, has today resulted in one of the finest Natural History Collections of Asia. As the Collections were made during pre-independence days, they include specimens from the Oriental  region, mainly present day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The Society’s collections include rare species like the Jerdon’s Courser, which was rediscovered and collected in 1986 (the earlier record was from 1900), the Lesser and Bengal Floricans, Great Indian Bustard and Whitewinged Wood Duck. The Pinkheaded Duck now extinct, is a prized possession in the Collections of the Society. There are also, many specimen of rare mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, beetles and other insects of the Sub-continent. This is indeed a very rare and prestigious collection on the faunal biodiversity of India, one of the best from the Oriental region, also including some extinct species. The present collections are the result of the extensive surveys that were undertaken in different regions of the Indian subcontinent. The bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian collections are catalogued and computerised for easy accessibility. Specimens have been identified taxonomically to the species level and also include rare collections from extralimital regions such as Myanmar and Sri Lanka. A total of 26,000 birds, 20,000 mammals, 7500 amphibians and reptiles and 50,000 insects are maintained. The collections have been accorded the status of a National Heritage Collection, being a precious asset of the nation.

The reference collections which are studied by researchers from Indian as well as foreign institutions, conservationists and amateurs in India and abroad, provide basic data on the bio-diversity of the Indian region. The Society’s Collection, which covers a period of over 100 years is a repository of  natural history specimen, and is most important in the present context of changes in the environment and loss of biodiversity. In many publications like the Book of Indian Animals, Book of Indian Birds, The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians and the Butterflies of Sikkim, Himalayas, the collection was a source of information and illustrations.

Present Status:

The Collections are housed in the mezzanine and ground floors in an area specially designed for housing them. Though the entire section was air-conditioned with the Central Government’s help, their inability to pay the electricity charges led to shutting down the air-conditioning unit.

Salient Features:

1.	One of the best collections in Asia providing precise scientific information on the fauna and their geographic distribution in the Indian Sub-continent and adjoining countries.
2.	The bird/mammal/reptile/amphibian Collection has been catalogued and computerised for easy accessibility.
3.	The Specimens are taxonomically identified to the species level.
4.	Rare Collections with species now extinct and collected from remote unaccessible areas.
5.	Specimens in good condition even as old as 100 years but easy to handle.
6.	The Collection is open to all educational institutional/researchers from India and abroad for scientific studies.