Collection and Curation 

The Mammalogy section serves as the national repository and reference centre for mammalian natural history collections and is focal point for the conservation of Kenya’s mammal fauna. Currently, the department holds about 12,000 specimens collection dating way back in 1910. The collections are both small and large sized mammals stored in the form of dry skins (both stuffed and flat), and wet collections. Most of the specimens are from Kenya, a few from Tanzania and Uganda and a small collection originated from West African countries.

The section aims to collect, catalogue, document, and preserve mammalian natural history collections; Serve as a repository centre for regional mammal collections; Conduct specialized collection-based research, ecology, conservation and zoogeographic distribution of Kenyan mammals; Provide identification services and references to researchers, government department and the public on mammalian conservation. The department undertakes fieldwork activities especially in those areas where mammal surveys and documentation have not been carried out.  

Research themes include and not limited to

• Taxonomy of East African mammals, both small and large.
• Climate Change impacts on ecology and conservation of mammals
• Ecological survey of mammals in different ecosystems in Kenya
• Developing Community-based wildlife conservation and research in Kenya
• Assessment of eco-tourism potential of mammals in different ecosystems in Kenya. 
• Developing species management plans in collaboration with different stakeholders
• Mammals public awareness among the public in Kenya
• Wildlife hunting and human-wildlife conflicts in Kenya
• Mammals and diseases

Currently (2011) on-going projects

• Biogeography of small mammals of upland forests in the West and East of Gregorian Rift Valley
• Taxonomy of the genus Acomys in Kenya
• DNA-barcoding of mammals species of Kenya
• Taxonomy of Elephant Shrews (Sengis) in Kenya
• Developing species identification keys for rodent pests of East Africa
• Taxonomy of bats implicated in viral infections
• Taxonomy of rodents implicated in emerging infections
• Assessment of diversity of mammals of Laikipia, Central Kenya 
• Data basing and Mapping of mammal species of Kenya
• Taxonomy, diversity, ecology, zoonoses and socio-economics of small mammals(bats and rodents) 
• Assessment of the hunting impacts of the Endangered Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew along Coastal Kenya 
• Survey of Mammals in Boni-Dodoris Forest, South-East Kenya
• Developing a mammal checklist of Kenya
• Ecology and Ecto-parasites of the Lesser BushbabyGalagosenegalensis in Central Kenya
• Implications of Bushmeat Hunting on Endangered species of ArabukoSokoke Forest

Some completed projects

• Mapping of Bat colonies along the Kenyan Coast 
• Fire Management study in Nairobi National Park to evaluate the impact of prescribed fire on mammal community in the Park supported
• Impacts of population displacement on dryland biodiversity in Kenya, supported by Research Programme in Sustainable Utilization of Dryland Biodiversity (RPSUD) & NMK.
• Survey of rodents in Nairobi estates, supported by NMK Interactive programme aimed to collect and prepare exhibit specimens for its Programme.
• Study of small mammals in Rongai, Nakuru District. Supported by KU, to determine importance birds of prey in control and management of rodent pests in crop farmlands.
• Environmental impact assessment Project in Ahero Irrigation Scheme aimed at monitoring the impacts of pesticides on non-target organisms.

Collaborations

The section maintains collaborations with a number institutions and research associates both local and abroad. Among these are Smithsonian Institute, Bat Conservation International (BCI), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Kenya wildlife Services, East African Wildlife Society, Nature Kenya amongst others.

Other Activities

Information dissemination

Aimed at promoting public awareness and conservation of mammal fauna in Kenya, the section undertakes seminars, presentation and guided tours to visiting groups from educational institutions as well as visiting researchers. Local communities are also educated in the field through practical sessions. The section also provides learning resources to institutions, NGOs, Interactive Programmes and Kenyan Museum Society, Kenyatta University and Nairobi University, Africa Wildlife Foundation among others.

Learning & Research Opportunities at Mammalogy

Individuals from Kenya and any other part of the world with interest in learning about or researching about Kenyan mammals can apply for internship or research affiliation with the National Museums of Kenya (see guidelines and conditions—provide the link). The applicants will use their own finances to stay in Kenya/Nairobi City or conduct their research work but will benefit from research expertise at Mammalogy such as designing mammal research projects, data collection, species identification, planning of field logistics and preparation of final

Staff areas of interest and specialization

• Bernard Agwanda (Research Scientist & Head of Mammalogy Section -Research interests: Taxonomy and evolution of mammals (bats, shrews and rodents) and mammalian zoonotic
• Judith Mbau (Research Scientist) -Research interests: Taxonomy and Ecology of large and small mammals in East Africa.
• Simon Musila (Research scientist) -Research interests: Rodent ecology and food security, wildlife hunting and human-wildlife conflicts
• Geoffrey Mwangi (Research scientist) -Research interests: Taxonomy, Ecology and Conservation of Primates and Carnivores
• Titus Adhola (Research scientist) -Research interests: Conservation biology of the carnivores and ungulates, biodiversity informatics and biodiversity data management.
• David MikwaMuriithi- Lab Technician- Curation and cataloguing of specimens
• Ruth Makena- Curation Lab Technician- Curation and cataloguing of specimens
• Immaculate Muthoni- Lab Technician- Curation and cataloguing of specimens