Exploration du Parc National Albert – Batraciens et Reptiles by G.F. de Witte (Mission 1933–1935 – 1941 Belgian Congo Scientific Monograph with 76 Plates & Map

Published in Brussels in 1941, this important zoological monograph forms Fascicule 33 of the landmark scientific series “Exploration du Parc National Albert – Batraciens et Reptiles G.F. de Witte (1933–1935).”

Exploration du Parc National Albert – Batraciens et Reptiles documents amphibian and reptile species recorded during the Belgian scientific expedition to Parc National Albert in the Belgian Congo, today known as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of Africa’s most historically significant conservation areas.

Authored by the distinguished Belgian herpetologist Gaston-François de Witte, Exploration du Parc National Albert – Batraciens et Reptiles provides detailed taxonomic descriptions, specimen records, field observations, and distribution data for amphibians and reptiles collected during the expedition. The work includes an introduction by Victor Van Straelen, founder of the Institut des Parcs Nationaux du Congo Belge.

Exploration du Parc National Albert – Batraciens et Reptiles is richly illustrated with 76 plates, including several colour plates, along with detailed scientific illustrations documenting anatomical characteristics and species variation. A fold-out map illustrates the expedition region within the Albert National Park.

These expedition monographs were produced in relatively limited print runs for scientific institutions, making surviving copies increasingly desirable to collectors of African exploration literature, colonial scientific research, zoological monographs, and herpetology references.

This example is a complete original 1941 paperback edition, comprising 261 pages including the index, with 76 plates and the fold-out map present.

A significant scientific work documenting the biodiversity of Central Africa during one of the earliest organised wildlife research expeditions in the region.

Condition – Good

Original 1941 printed wrappers. Covers show moderate edge wear and light creasing consistent with age and handling. The top of the front hinge is torn approximately 3 cm, and there have been three tape repairs to the hinges and spine to reinforce the binding. Despite these repairs the binding remains intact and functional. Internally very clean, with the plates well preserved. The fold-out map is present. A complete example of this scarce scientific expedition publication.