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Biodiversity Explorers >
Barnes, Bertram Durrell (1888-1969)
Amateur lepidopterist in Southern Rhodesia.
Date |
Age |
Event |
5 May 1888 |
|
Born at Faversham, Kent. Took degree in
economics at Oxford University and afterwards worked for the P. & O.
Shipping line in Bombay. Joined the Bombay Volunteers and was commissioned
in 1917. |
c1928 |
c 40 |
Came to Southern Rhodesia. |
1934 |
46 |
Purchased farm "Sambenyara" and lived there
the rest of his life. |
1962 |
74 |
Wife, Jessie, died. |
1969 |
80 |
Died early in January. |
"Durrell Barnes was quiet, reserved and independent.
Yet, he was ever ready to assist beginners in his main pastime, the study of
Lepidoptera. On my own arrival in Southern Rhodesia, acquainted with European
insects but uninitiated in African fauna, Durrell was a great help and
encouragement. Thereafter, sometimes accompanied by my wife, there were many
pleasant occasions as guests of Durrell and Jessie at their farm "Sambenyara".
This was high on the Vumba Mountains in walking distance of his favourite haunt,
the Witchwood Valley, known at its lower end as Monkswood Valley, a name
disputed by Durrell. We co-operated very well indeed for many years, in fact,
right up to his last month. ...
He made a fine collection of African butterflies and the most
extensive collection of Vumba moths ever assembled. These are now in the
National Museum, Bulawayo. ...
Nearly all his life his main hobby was Lepidoptera, in
England, India and Rhodesia. On Vumba his light trap was in action most
nights." (Pinhey, 1977).
Specimens collected
Collected mainly Lepidoptera, bulk of collection in National
Museum, Bulawayo but there are also specimens in the Transvaal Museum.
References
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