STATUS OF MUSEUM SPECIMEN IN NATURAL

HISTORY MUSEUM, KATHMANDU, NEPAL

A report submitted for partial fulfillment of the requirements for the secondary levels education
of National Examination Board.

Submitted To:
Department of biology
Southwestern state collage
Bashundhara, Kathmandu

By
Angelina Kayastha
Grade XI, Section B1, Roll No. 05
Southwestern State Collage
Bashundhara, Kathmandu

March 24, 2023

 APPROVAL
Mrs. Angelina Kayastha has carried out the study entitled “Status of Museum Specimen in
Natural History Museum, Kathmandu, Nepal”. I approve the report for the partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the Secondary Level Education.

………………………………….
Mr. Ganesh Joshi
Department Head of Biology
Southwestern State Collage
Kathmandu, Nepal

…………………………………
Mr. Manish Poudel
Supervisor
Southwestern State Collage
Kathmandu, Nepal

Date: March 24, 2023

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am indebted to all past and present Biologist of Nepal; without whose extensive work and
literature this study would have never been possible.
I wish to express my deepest sense of gratitude and profundal regards to my supervisor, Mr.
Manish Poudel, Supervisor, Southwestern State Collage, Kathmandu for learned guidance,
abiding interest and for all the pain he took to get my study work completed and document
prepare in time.
I express my gratitude and indebtedness to Mr. Bijay Chhetri, Head of Zoology Department,
Southwestern State Collage for his continuous help and encouragement throughout the study
period. I would to extent my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Minisha Magar, staff of Natural History
Museum for providing me secondary literatures and guiding me throughout the survey period.
They are truly a source of inspiration that made me able to complete my research work smoothly.
I would like to remember all my friends and family members who have supported, helped and
encouraged me. I am also thankful to Laboratory assistant Ms. Ashika Pokhrel for her direct or
indirect support, cooperation, and guidance for this work.

Angelina Kayastha
Southwestern State Collage
Kathmandu, Nepal

March 24, 2023

ii
1.2 Objective of the Study

. To study the specimen of fauna of the Natural History Museum in preserve condition.

. To prepare a checklist of the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes

of museum specimen of Natural History Museum.

. To study the management of Natural History Museum and provide some

recommendations.

1.3 Study Area

The study was conducted at Natural History Museum of Nepal which is located in
Sawyambhunath of Kathmandu district. Geographically, it is located at 27 0 47minutes 53 second
N latitude,850 17minutes 16second E longitude.

Source: WWW.Google.maps.com

Fig 1: Location Map of the Natural History Museum

3
 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Background

A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its

development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and
exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purpose
of education, study and enjoyment. Natural History Museum of Nepal is situated on the lap
of a world heritage site in the west hillock of Kathmandu valley. Swayambhunath hillock is
itself a famous place not only on the context of the culture, religion and history of
Kathmandu valley, but also equally famous place for the early plant hunters in Nepal. This
museum was established in 1975 under the management of Institute of Science and
Technology. Objectives to collect and preserve flora, fauna, geological and other natural
specimens from different parts of Nepal. To study and research or make provision for study
and research on natural resources, ecology, environment of Nepal. The museums huge
specimen collection is a treasure trove of Nepal’s bio-diversity. The museum has collected
50,000 specimens of Moths, 4,142 of Beetles, 1,464 of Dragonflies and 1,604 of other
insects. It also has six specimens of lower chordates, 890 of fish,107amphibians specimens,
390 of reptiles and 1,194 of birds. The museums mammalian specimens total 225, and it also
has 22 specimens of skeletons, besides 964 fossils and animal body parts. The museum also
houses 107 models of plastic-clay and 74 of rock and minerals. Equally impressive is the
museums botanical and mycological collection: algae (124), fungi and mushroom (2,320),
lichens (61), bryophytes (1,124), pteridophytes (507), gymnosperms 163), and angiosperms
(5,034).

This museum also has a specimen of the spiny babbler Nepal’s only endemic bird species. A
specimen of golden pheasant, an exotic bird from China, is on display. A specimen of the
Atlas moth, the largest moth species in the world. This museum is only the place to see a
specimen of the moss deer (Indian chevrotain), which is believed to extent in Nepal. This
museum also relics from the country pre-historic times. Tere is a fossilized skull of the
Archidiskodon, a species of elephant that roamed the Shivalik Hills of Nepal. The skull and
teeth believed to be from around 3 million years and 8-10 million years old respectively.
This museum is the scientific authority in fauna for CITES in Nepal. It conducts training
programs on CITES-related issues for teachers, students, and people working in Nepal’s
conservation sector.

Some of the early biologist, Dr. Khanal (2014) had studied the climate change assessment,
conservation of flora and fauna, conservation education and awareness, ecosystem
management, etc. he did study about Natural History Museum.
It will increase in the scientific learning about museum specimen, their feature and
protection. The study will significantly enhance educational knowledge and concern about
endangered species, and also encourage participating in their conservation.
1
 2: MATERIALS AND STUDY

The field study was concluded on 19th Jan, 2022 at The Natural History Museum, Nepal. Both
primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data were collected through
observations, museum’s staffs and consultations with the local visitors. For the secondary data
books, journals and websites were used. Microsoft Word 2019 is used for the data
interpretations.

4
 3: RESULTS
During the survey, many species of fauna were observed. Among all other fanunas number of
butterflies was the highest and birds were the second highest after butterflies.there were many
types of insects, mammals, fishes, amphibians, fossils and also animal body parts.

Sales

moth
21%
butterflies
25%

amphibians
16%
birds
15%
insects
15%
mammals
7%

Source: field survey, consolation with local people and secondary literatures.

Fig 2: Pie chart Showing Different No. of Specimen in NHM

 5
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
The overall impression of NHM was found to be nice. It has been providing a good place for the
preservation of the specimens. Moreover, NHM is the best attraction for learning and spending
the time. The specimens WERE preserved well for purpose of research and displaying. One can
observe different kinds of specimens & also get knowledge about them by visiting the museum.
We also got to observe different kinds of faunas we had never seen. The main attraction to me
was the specimens of different kinds of birds which took my attention.
NHM is a historical place located in Kathmandu Which Has been providing opportunity to the
people to know about the extinct animals and fossils which were present during the ancient time
period. If I got another chance, I will surely visit NHM once again in near future.
 6
5: RECOMMANDATIONS
. Museums area must be expanded.

. Management of waste materials should be done.

. Collection of new & more different specimens should be carried out.
. The glassware of specimens should be cleaned time to time.
. more space for watching specimens should be managed.
 7
6: REFRENCES

 Chaudhary, RP. 1998 Biodiversity in Nepal: status and conservation

 Natural history meuseum

 8
7: ANNEXES

ANNEX 1

Table 2: Specimens of Faunas Under Natural History Museum

S.N. Common Name English Name Scientific Name N/E
Mammals
1 Ghoda Horse Equus spp. E
2 Scaly Anteaters Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla N
3 Ek Singae Gaida One-Horned Rhino Rhinoceros unicornis N
4 Chittal Spotted Deer Axis axis N
Birds
1 Sarus Sarus Crane Grus virgo N
2 Mayur Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus N
3 Parewa Pigeon Columba livia N
4 Wild Chicken Jungle Fowl Gallus E
Reptiles
1 Python Burmese Rock Python Python bivittatus E
2 Mugger Gohi Marsh Crocodile Crocodylus palustris N
3 Monitor Lizard Bengal Monitor Lizard Varanus bengalensis E
4 Cobra Cape Cobra Naja nivea E
Fishes
1 Goldfish Goldfish Carratius auratus E
2 Tiger Barb Tiger Barb Barbus tetrazona E
3 Catfish Catfish Siluformes E
4 Eel American Eel Anguilla rostrata N
Source: Field survey, January, 2022
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ANNEX 2
Table 3: Question Asked During the Survey

S. Questions
N.
1 How many specimens are there in total in NHM?
2 When was NHM established?
3 Which specimens were bought newly in NHM?
4 Will rare and exotic specimen be added to NHM?
5 Will the area of NHM be expanded for the addition of specimens?
6 How many rare and exotic specimens are in NHM right now?
7 When did you started working in NHM?
8 How did you come to know about NHM?
Source: Field survey, January,2022
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ANNEX 3
PHOTOGRAPHS

Source: www.researchgate.net.com

Photo 1: skin of different animals preserved in Natural History Museum

Source: www.researchgate.net.com

Photo 2: Museum specimen of Chinese Pangolin in NHM (Manis pentadactyla)

 11
ABSTRACT
The survey work entitled “Status of Museum Specimen in the Natural History Museum,
Kathmandu, Nepal” was conducted on 17th of February, 2023 at Natural History Museum of
Kathmandu, Nepal. The main objective of study was to find out the list of museum species in
NHM of Kathmandu, Nepal. The main objective of study was to find out the list of museum
specimens in NHM during the survey period. Both primary and secondary data were used for
survey. A total of 50,000 faunal species including specimens of butterflies, moths, birds, insects,
mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians and also has about 964 fossils & body parts of animals
were recorded. The present survey showed that, the NHM has been providing good environment.
Proper management of solid waste and additional space for fauna could further enhance the
importance of NHM for preservation of the specimens.

Key words: History, Museum, Natural, Species, Specimen

 i

TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page
ABSTRACT i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF FIGURES, ABBERVIATION AND ACRONYMS iv
1: INTRODUCTION 1-3
1.1 General Background 1
1.2 Objectives of the study 2
1.3 Study Area 3
2: MATERIAL AND METHODS 4
3: RESULTS 5
4: DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 6
5: RECOMMANDATIONS 7
6: REFRENCES 8
7: ANNEXES 9-11

iii
 LISTS OF TABLES
Tables Page
Table 1: List of Specimens of Fauna at Natural History Museum……………………….5
Table 2: Specimen of Faunas Under Natural History Museum…………………………..9
Table 3: Questions Asked During the Survey……………………………………………10

LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Page
Figure 1: Location Map of Natural History Museum…………………………………....3
Figure 2: Pie Chart Showing Different No. of Species in Natural History Museum……6

LIST OF PHOTOS
Photo 1 : skin of different animals preserved in Natural History Museum…11
Photo 2: Museum Specimen of Chinese pangolin in National History Museum (Manis
pentadactyla )…………………………………………………………………………...11

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

& And
NHM National History Museum
iv