RESEARCH COLLECTIONS IN SOUTH-AFRICAN NATURAL-HISTORY MUSEUMS - THEIR SCOPE, RELEVANCE AND COORDINATION

Recent information is presented on the size and content of research collections in South African natural history museums and related institutions, and it is emphasized that these archives of biodiversity constitute a scientific resource of immense value. The scope of the collections is expanding steadily to accommodate new records of species-typical behaviour, while specimens appropriate to molecular systematic studies are also being added. Co-ordination of collections is achieved by way of a Southern African Museums Association sub-committee.