Steve Collins
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Steve Collins, a renowned butterfly enthusiast based in Nairobi, has dedicated over four decades to assembling what he claims is the largest collection of preserved African butterflies worldwide.
His sanctuary is home to an astounding four million butterflies, including 1.2 million meticulously housed in wood casts with glass tops and over one million pinned specimens organized in 9,500 boxes. At the age of five, Collins' fascination with butterflies ignited, leading him down a path of comprehensive study, culminating in the founding of the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI) in 1996.
In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, Collins discloses that some rare specimens within his collection are valued at approximately $8,000 (equivalent to Sh1,036,720 at current exchange rates). The sanctuary, dubbed the largest private collection of its kind, serves as a vital hub for scientific research and documentation. Throughout his career, Collins has authored multiple books and contributed regularly to the Journal of Science.
The sanctuary also acts as a natural habitat for butterflies, with many species arriving and thriving in the area thus enhancing the site’s ecological diversity. As Collins approaches a pivotal stage in his career, he is now tasked with finding a suitable buyer for his extensive collection. He stresses the need for the collection to remain intact and accessible for scientific purposes, rather than risking dispersion or relegation to a museum environment.
Collins expresses optimism that a philanthropist will recognize the collection’s value and ensure it can continue to serve as a comprehensive resource for future research endeavours. Butterflies are integral to the ecosystem, providing essential pollination services akin to those performed by bees. Furthermore, butterfly farming has emerged as a significant income source for many, with pupae traded internationally for exhibitions and butterfly houses.
Beyond their economic contributions, butterflies attract tourism and play a critical role in ecological studies, positioning Collins’ collection as a veritable repository of knowledge and biodiversity.