Terrestrial vertebrates are commonplace, distributed across the globe even though vertebrates, as a whole, make up a fraction of animal diversity. Other than that they’re land-based animals with vertebral columns (spines or backbones) they’re also characterised by their well-defined joints and digits (fingers and toes). In scientific jargon, terrestrial vertebrates are known as Tetrapoda, in reference to these limbs. While the broad definition of terrestrial vertebrates clearly excludes fish, for example, it also incorporates birds.
The origins of tetrapods are still hotly debated, as are the processes that let to their move from water to land. Nonetheless, this group includes over 21,000 extant (living) species and, it is believed, a much greater number of extinct species. At the Iziko South African Museum, the Terrestrial Vertebrate Collections attempts to cast some light into the questions still being asked about this group of animals.
The focus of the Museum’s Natural History Collections – of which this collection forms a part – is on southern Africa. So it includes, for example, historically important bird and mammal skin collections dating back to the 1850’s, specifically from this region. The latter features the foal of the extinct Quagga. Recent growth of the collections has centred on building up skeletal collections of birds and mammals, which are the best in South Africa. All the bird, amphibian, reptile and mammal collections have been digitised.
Iziko South African Museum
General Enquiries
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3800
Fax: +27 (0)21 481 3993
Email: info@iziko.org.za
Media enquiries and press releases
Zikhona Jafta
Tel: +27 (0)21 481 3838
Fax: +27 (0)21 461 9620
Email: mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
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Dear Visitors,
Please note that the Iziko South African Museum will close to the public at 14:00 on Thursday, 13 March 2025, in preparation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Looking forward to your future visits.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitors,
Please be advised that all Iziko Museums of South Africa sites will close at 13:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for a staff activation for the The bicentenary of the South African Museum – a reflection on 200 years of ISAM’s existence.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.
Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Dear Visitors,
Please note that all Iziko Museums will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December 2024 and
will reopen to the public on Thursday, 26 December 2024.
Additionally, Iziko Bertram House and Iziko Koopmans De Wet will remain closed on Thursday,
26 December 2024.
Wishing you peace and joy over the festive season.
Thank you
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum will be closed on Thursday, 01 August 2024 due to a power maintenance affecting the entire area.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Iziko Management
Dear Visitor
Iziko Museums’ Winter Operating Hours Update.
Please be advised that the weekend(SAT and SUN) operating hours have been adjusted.
The museums will open operate from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekends during winter.
Saturdays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko South African National Gallery,
Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum and Iziko Slave Lodge.
Sundays from 08h30 to 16h00
Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and Iziko South African National Gallery.
By order
Iziko Management.
Dear Visitor
Please be advised that the Iziko South African National Gallery, will open at 12:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
We look forward to welcoming you to experience the exhibition:
Sue Williamson: There’s something I must tell you, a retrospective.
Regards
Iziko Museums of South Africa