The Bombay Natural History Society

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Location: Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai

Known For: Education and research in natural history, Conservation of nature.

Central Idea about the BNHS:

The Bombay Natural History Society is today the largest non-government organization (NGO) in the Indian subcontinent, engaged in nature conservation research. In the 125 years of its existence, its commitment has been, and continues to be the conservation of India's natural wealth, protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources for a balanced and healthy development of future generations. Since inception in 1983, it has been working whole-heartedly for the conservation of nature and natural resources, education and research in natural history along with the mission of conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education and public awareness.

It instigates discussions and observations on natural history in its forum. BNHS possesses an attractive collection of specimens from natural world in its museum, called Bombay Natural History Museum.

History:

Six Englishmen and two Indians met on the 15th of September, 1883 in the Victoria and Albert Museum (presently named as Bhau Daji Museum situated in the Jijamata Udyan), Bombay and constituted themselves as the Bombay Natural History Society. They proposed to meet monthly and exchange notes, exhibit interesting specimens and otherwise, encourage one another. Soon the membership increased and collections began to be made. In a very short time, more suitable accommodation at 6, Apollo Street, (presently Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road) was managed. On 15th August 1905, it was resolved by the Government to have a permanent memorial to commemorate the visit of the Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales to this City and Presidency in the form of a public Museum and Library.

Realizing the importance of the Bombay Natural History Society's vital role in documenting and conserving India's natural heritage, the Government of India agreed to fund the building of 'Hornbill House' to house the Bombay Natural History Society and its valuable collections of natural history specimens representing India's faunal biodiversity.



BNHS has its headquarters in the Hornbill House, which was specially constructed in South Mumbai. Over 30 countries have joined BNHS as its active members and are working with the primary principle of conservation, rooted in scientific research. Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned Ornithologist and Naturalist, fostered the tradition that became the guiding principle of the society.

Research done by BNHS:

1. Vulture Conservation :
   
   It concentrates on the study of vultures in India and in other parts of the world.
   
   
2. Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) :
   
   AWC is an annual event carried out during 2nd & 3rd week of January for collection & dissemination of information on water birds & wetlands.
   
   
3. Research and Environment Protection
   
   BNHS has been putting its emphasis on the documentation of India's natural resources to provide the scientific basis for sound conservation programs.
   
   
4. Important Bird Areas & IBCN
   
   An effective way to save birds is to save the places where they live; the identification of such representative habitats is carried out through the Important Bird Areas Program of Bird Life International.
   
   
5. Environmental Impact Assessment Cell
   
   The Environmental Impact Assessment Cell (EIA Cell) established in 1993, has a fine record of assignments for growing industry and developing infrastructure in ecologically sensitive areas.
   
   
6. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Center
   
   ENVIS Center at the Society was established in 1996 by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India. We at the BNHS primarily deal with the Avian Ecology and Inland Wetlands

The Library:

The Library of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is one of the oldest and largest libraries on natural history in the country. It has a collection of 20,000 books, 130 thesis and 5000 bound journals.

Publication:

It has published lots of books till the date from the beginning of its inception. Moreover, it publishes a journal called 'The Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society' and 'Hornbill', a quarterly magazine.

Membership:

A temporary membership of the society is available which enables one to know more on the subjects of society's activities in the sphere of nature conservation. With this, one can even access the library and attend the weekly lectures. Bombay Natural History Society is not open to public, so interested ones are required to take prior permission for admittance.

How to reach:

One can easily reach here by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the airport and all the railway stations of the city.