The role of the Department of Zoology is to conduct research on animals (including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) through taxonomic and ecological studies. Core functions of the department can be summarized as; research and monitoring; documentation and dissemination of information; education, training and awareness and collection management. These functions are implemented through six research sections namely: –
Herpetology
Conducts research focusing on amphibians and reptiles of Kenya. Maintains the largest wet collection (over 30,000 specimens) for comparative research in Central and East Africa. Main areas of research include behavior, community ecology, physiology, anatomy, taxonomy and toxicology
Ichthyology – Deals with the study of fish diversity in Kenya with a view to supporting policy decisions regarding fisheries. Maintain a collection of over 43,000 specimens.
Invertebrate zoology
Holds the largest entomological collection in East Africa with over two million specimens. Research focuses on insects, and other invertebrates in terms of biosystematics, phylogenetic and biogeographical studies. Mammalogy -conducts research on systematics, ecology and zoogeography of mammals. The reference collection of over 20000 specimens
Ornithology
Takes a broad view of bird conservation with special emphasis on applied research in conservation biology, combining research, monitoring, curation and education. Holds over 30000 specimens
Osteology
Focuses on the collection and preservation of skeletal materials, being the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, for comparative research.