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Blue-crowned Parakeets, Aratinga acuticauda. There are probably four species of parakeet that have established populations in the south of England, probably descendants from accidental or deliberate releases of captive birds.

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Communicating knowledge

How we are helping to raise levels of scientific literacy

Unprecedented numbers of plant and animal species are on the brink of extinction – yet many of them have not even been named and described. The natural world holds many secrets that may be lost forever unless urgent work is done to investigate, monitor and conserve its threatened biodiversity.

The Museum is one of the few academic institutions in the UK that is training scientists with the taxonomic skills to take on this vital work.

We are also helping to educate young people through our learning programmes for schools and families. Our aim is to inspire a new generation of citizens who are able to make informed decisions on scientific issues that affect their lives, and are concerned for the welfare of the natural world.

Download the whole section in .pdf format .

Back to the table of contents of the Annual review 2004/05.

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Cartoon image of footprints disappearing through closing door

The Museum's smallest members of staff are our flesh-eating beetles, Dermestes maculates, who strip carcasses to the bone.