The Bombay Natural History  Society (BNHS) was founded as a private organisation in 1883  by  seven   residents  of Bombay for the  study  and  conservation of  natural  history. It  has acquired   a unique  national role and  international prestige by virtue of the fact that, through private and government sponsored collection expeditions, it was largely responsible for the identification and documentation of   India's fauna and avifauna. It has published, for 97 years, a  scientific  journal which is internationally respected.

It has used this fund of scientific expertise to prepare a series of definitive books on Birds, Mammals, Butterflies, Trees and Shrubs, etc. which are calculated to create interest in the laymen, though relied upon even by serious researchers. Its books for children were recommended by the late Pandit Jawaharlal  Nehru  to the State Governments.

The Society's collection of  approximately 25,000 bird  skins, 20,000 mammal skins 50,000 insect  specimens and  3,000 reptiles is unparalleled in the country except, perhaps, by the Zoological  Survey of India. Its Library has extremely valuable and rare books-making it an effective focal point for researchers in the field of natural  history. This, combined with  its  long  tradition  of  high  scientific integrity  and  competence, has produced  a series of eminent naturalists-perhaps the best known to contemporary generations being Dr Salim Ali-whose unbiased opinions are sought and accepted as authoritative by the world's leading scientific organisations.

During the past few decades, the BNHS has shifted its emphasis from the documentation of India's natural resources to pro­viding the scientific basis for sound preservation  programmes.   Its  best   known contributions are towards studying and saving  the  Keoladeo  Ghana  Bird   Sanctuary  at  Bharatpur, the Asiatic Lion in the Gir, the Flamingos in the Rann of Kutch, the Nilgiri Tahr, the Estuarine Crocodile and numerous other  wild species and habitats. It was instrumental in formulating  the  wildlife  preservation act of the erstwhile Bombay  State which was a seminal legislation in this  field.

The Society is dedicated to all who enjoy nature; to those who would like to know more about the animals, birds or plants of India and the neighbouring areas; and to those who are interested in the preservation and protection of wildlife upon this green earth.

Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is happy to issue a commemorative stamp on the centenary of Bombay Natural History Society.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India