Hi all
I am in the process of writing a school book for learners here in Namibia. The current cohort of scientists trained many decades ago that has given such great service to Namibian conservation is not getting any younger but there are not that many youngsters anxious to follow in their footsteps, it would seem.
I wish to develop a series of books on plants, places and animals to engage the interest of schoolchildren in their local environment. A bird book will be the first in a series and the 'hook' I am using is to link Namibian birds with the people that they are named after, as well as including some other birds from around the word named after unusual characters. (The same basic theme will be used in the other books, too.)
Given the target readership, and the concerns of publishers to develop material that is relevant, I am anxious to try to include not just the usual white, male Victorian collectors etc. I need to research birds named after women scientists too and - if possible - Africans and people of colour.
I am also struggling to find definitive 'origin stories' - for example I have come across conflicting info about who named Abdim's stork....so any assistance that you can offer in terms of providing some stories of interest that I can follow up, or accurate details, would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.
I am in the process of writing a school book for learners here in Namibia. The current cohort of scientists trained many decades ago that has given such great service to Namibian conservation is not getting any younger but there are not that many youngsters anxious to follow in their footsteps, it would seem.
I wish to develop a series of books on plants, places and animals to engage the interest of schoolchildren in their local environment. A bird book will be the first in a series and the 'hook' I am using is to link Namibian birds with the people that they are named after, as well as including some other birds from around the word named after unusual characters. (The same basic theme will be used in the other books, too.)
Given the target readership, and the concerns of publishers to develop material that is relevant, I am anxious to try to include not just the usual white, male Victorian collectors etc. I need to research birds named after women scientists too and - if possible - Africans and people of colour.
I am also struggling to find definitive 'origin stories' - for example I have come across conflicting info about who named Abdim's stork....so any assistance that you can offer in terms of providing some stories of interest that I can follow up, or accurate details, would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.