Page 29 - Thola Issue 17

included in these donations, which have significantly enlarged the total number of species represented in our holdings. Richard intends to make further donations when circumstances permit, which is indeed testimony to his faith
in the future of our newly resurrected department!
There is another indication of
our re-appearance on the scientific horizon – we have already had two visits from Dr Michael Bates, Senior Herpetologist at the National Museum in Bloemfontein, to study material
in our collections. He is working, in collaboration with Dr Donald Broadley – the doyen of African reptiles – on the Egg-eating Snakes (genus Dasypeltis) and on the Plated Lizards (formerly a single genus, Gerrhosaurus, which he and his co-workers have divided into several new genera). Such research visits are an important criterion in determining the activities of a museum, so this is a very significant event for us.
This really brings us back to our starting point: Do we now have a viable research collection? The most important question is: How can we ensure continuity? We have at least made a start and the future looks promising!
ABOVE: Herpetology wet collection specimens.
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thola: VOLUME 17. 2014/15