The Natural History Society of Swaziland

The Natural History Society of Swaziland

What's New:

Check out the Malalotja Game Count data for the period 1990 to 2006.

The publishers of Wild Swaziland, the first field guide to the wildlife of Swaziland, have made available a series of Species Checklists for Swaziland. The book is now on sale - see the above link for details. These checklists also include a list of siSwati names for Swaziland's Birds. The checklists can be printed or downloaded - in list or ticklist form (e.g. for use on wildlife field trips). The lists are available in MS Word, MS Excel and Adobe Acrobat files. A free Acrobat Reader can be downloaded if you need one.

To see or download the Species Checklists go to: Mammals , Birds , siSwati Birds , Reptiles , Amphibians, Freshwater Fish and Scorpions.

What are the Society’s Aims?

The Natural History Society of Swaziland (NHSS) was formed in 1978. Its aims are:

To provide a meeting ground for all people interested in fostering a broader & deeper understanding and appreciation of the Natural History of Swaziland.

To promote educational activities, formal and informal, that will lead to a better understanding of the living world and recognition of the importance of promoting the maintenance and development of habitats appropriate to the flora and fauna of Swaziland.

To develop in Swaziland the conservation ethic, an ethic that realizes that man may use the resources if the earth but should use them wisely, in a fashion that perpetuates their use.

To co-operate with other organizations having similar aims and objectives.

To enhance the pure enjoyment of nature by the members of the Society.

What does the Society do?

Outdoor walks are held every month of the year to various parts of Swaziland. Walks are generally held on the last Sunday of the month. The Society also assists with game counts at Malolotja Nat Park.

Indoor illustrated talks are held every month or two on a variety of conservation and wildlife subjects. The talks can be wide ranging, but many have a strong local content.

Once a year a speaker, usually is invited to give an illustrated talk at our Annual Dinner. This is normally held in March or April.

The Society publishes a circular about four times per year to announce the society’s events. It also contains a number of conservation-oriented articles on Swaziland and neighbouring regions.

The Society also sponsors various small conservation based projects.

The Society also publishes Fauna and Flora checklists on this website to enable interested persons to learn more about the species diversity of Swaziland to encourage conservation in the country.

As one of the country's few conservation NGOs, the Society also has a voice in local conservation matters. Members are free to ask the committee to speak up on a particular local conservation issue.

What is Natural History?

Natural History is an umbrella term that encompasses a whole rage of distinct scientific disciplines. Most definitions of Natural History include the study of living things which is covered by biology, botany, zoology, ecology, conservation and other life sciences. Another definition of Natural History, and the one which our society endorses, extends the the field of study to related disciplines such as paleontology, archaeology, geology, meteorology and geography.

A person who studies Natural History is known as a Naturalist.

Originally being a naturalist was an amateur activity and not an occupation. Today many people make a living as a naturalist.

What jobs can a Naturalist do ? There are many: Write books on natural history; Lead wildlife tours for persons interested in nature; Work as a game ranger; Become a wildlife photographer; Sell wildlife related products; The list is limited only by your imagination.

How to contact the Committee:

Chairman: Ton Vriend (Walks). Tel: 404 6665 (h)

Secretary, Treasurer, Newsletter & Website Editor: Phil Perry. Tel: 404 3536/7 (w)

Deputy Chairman (Game counts): Dennis Horn. Tel: 404 2263 (h)

Chris Davies (Walks): Tel: 553 5002 (h) or 602 1685 (cell)

Pieter de Waal (Bird events): Tel: 404 2242 (w)

Email: phil@naturalhistorysociety.org.sz

The Natural History Society of Swaziland

P.O. Box 1631

Mbabane

Swaziland

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This Web Site is sponsored by Leites Toyota, Swaziland’s Toyota & Hino dealer.

Website designed by Phil Perry