In recognition of his scientific standing, expertise and the sustainability of his research, and also taking into cognisance the benefits and the value he adds to Bayworld, the Board of Trustees of this Bayworld, on 9 September appointed Professor WR Branch Honorary Curator Emeritus of Bayworld.
This is the highest honour which can be bestowed on an individual by a museum for outstanding and excellent contribution to its core function of collecting, research and education.
Professor WR Branch who retired at the end of May 2011 worked at Bayworld for thirty two years as Curator of Herpetology. During this period the Port Elizabeth museum herpetology (reptiles and amphibians) grew to be the second largest in Southern Africa and among the most diverse in the world. The collection formed the basis of Professor Branch’s enviable research output comprising of numerous peer reviewed publications in local and international journals plus popular articles and books including his widely used “Field guide to the snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa”.
Professor Branch is a highly rated scientist by the National Research Foundation and is also currently a research associate of the department of zoology, of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Bayworld cordially welcomes Professor WR Branch back as a member of the Bayworld team.
