The marine fish collection that was initiated in the 1980s to aid in the pioneer work on fish remains analysis from Shanga archaeological sites has proved an invaluable comparative material in the Eastern Africa coastal archaeological fish remains analysis. These specimens together with the others are extensively used by and are readily available to medical/veterinary researchers, comparative anatomists, forensic scientists, paleontologists, zoo-archaeologists, conservation biologists, artists, film makers, students of various fields and the general public. With its current staff’s cumulative bone remains analysis work experience totaling about 45 years (ranging from 5 to 20 years) the section’s bone remains analysis services are unrivalled in the region.

Staff

The Section has five staff (2 research scientists, a laboratory technologist, a preparator and a laboratory technician):

• Ogeto Mwebi; research scientist (Msc and currently a PhD candidate) – Specialized in fauna remains analysis = Zooarhaeology and Forensic Osteology with an interest in prehistoric and modern human-carnivore interactions and carnivore conservation
• Esther Nguta; a research scientist (Msc) - Specialized in fauna remains analysis with a keen interest in conservation biology and marine/fresh water fish remains analysis
• Veronica Onduso; laboratory Technologist – Specialized in fauna remains identification and comparative specimens preparations
• Moses Ruto; laboratory technician - Specialized in fauna remains identification and comparative specimens preparations and
• Peter Maina; preparator – Specialized in comparative specimens preparations.

Research

The section focuses its research on biodiversity documentation and environmental reconstruction through analysis of skeletal remains.

Collaborations

We are currently in collaboration with Nairobi University, University of Provence (France), Michigan State University (USA) and the Kenya Wildlife Service with funding from the Earthwatch Institute, People’s Trust for the Endangered Species and French Government through the French Embassy in Kenya studying hyaena feeding ecology in pastoralists’ areas (Magadi and Samburu group ranches).

This is aimed at determining the hyaenas’ dependence on livestock in these areas. Besides this we have been previously involved in collaboration with various international institutions in reconstructing animal exploitation by people in past through analysis of bone remains from archaeological sites (e.g. in the Kenyan coast and Zanzibar and Pemba in Tanzania among others).

Other Activities

• Forensic services to the Police and Kenya Wildlife Service
• Middle and Higher student training and attachment
• Provide examination material to Kenya professional Safari Guides Association.

Scientific research publications (completed or of papers submitted)

Other publications and reports (including unpublished ones and from collaborators)