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Inventory to the papers of Carl B. Koford at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at University of California, Berkeley MVZA.MSS.0163
MVZA.MSS.0163  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Descriptive Summary
  • Administrative Information
  • Biographical/historical note
  • Scope and contents note
  • Related archival materials
  • Arrangement note

  • Descriptive Summary

    Title: Carl B. Koford papers
    Identifier/Call Number: MVZA.MSS.0163
    Contributing Institution: Museum of Vertebrate Zoology Archives
    Language of Material: English
    Physical Description: 3.7 Linear feet
    Date (inclusive): 1938-1979
    Abstract: The Carl B. Koford papers include work done by Koford between 1938-1979, as well as correspondence dating from 1939-1977. The field notes document projects focusing on the California Condor, Pumas, primates, and additional birds, mammals, and reptiles.
    creator: Koford, Carl B., 1915-1979
    Creator: Koford, Mary R.

    Administrative Information

    Conditions governing access

    The collection is open for research.

    Conditions governing use

    Copyright restrictions may apply. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology Archives in writing for approval. Please contact the Museum Archivist for further information.

    Preferred citation

    [Identification of item], Carl B. Koford papers, MVZA.MSS.0163, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology Archives, University of California, Berkeley.

    Biographical/historical note

    Carl B. Koford (1915-1979) was a biologist whose best-known fieldwork and research centered on the California Condor. Koford received his PhD from UC Berkeley in 1950. During his tenure with the MVZ, he held the titles of Research Associate and Associate Research Ecologist. In 1939, John Baker, Executive Director of the Audubon Society, established a Fellowship at UC Berkeley so that critical facts (particularly population size) relating to the California Condor could be established. Koford, who was familiar with areas inhabited by the species and reputed to be an excellent observer, was selected for the Fellowship position. The research he completed in this role led to the publication of his monographic study, titled The California Condor, in 1953. Koford’s work was also crucial in the establishment of the Sespe Condor Sanctuary in Ventura County, California in 1947.
    Sources Consulted:
    “Carl B. Koford, 1915-1979.” The Condor, 82, 1 (1980): 112. Accessed August 26, 2013. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1366804 
    Graham, Frank Jr. “Day of the Condor.” Audubon, 102, 1 (2000): 46-53.

    Scope and contents note

    The Carl B. Koford papers are composed of twenty-one standard-bound volumes of fieldnotes, including specimen, map, and habitat sketches, as well as transcriptions of scientific notes. Ten of the volumes contain work that Koford completed while developing his monograph, The California Condor, published in 1953. Additionally, there are four folders containing correspondence dating from 1939-1977. Within his fieldnotes, Koford also describes numerous visits and interviews with people, including forest service employees, game and fire wardens, photographers, and local populations in the U.S. and abroad. Also mentioned are Koford’s activities while visiting museums and colleges and at meetings of the Cooper Ornithological Club, California affiliates of National Audubon Society, and similar organizations. In addition, one of the volumes contains fieldnotes and a specimen catalog authored by his wife, Mary R. Koford.

    Related archival materials

    Materials relating to this collection within the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology Archives include: Mary R. Koford Field Notes (MVZA.MSS.0164).

    Arrangement note

    The collection has been arranged in the following series: Field notes and Correspondence. There are no subseries.

    Subjects and Indexing Terms

    Biological specimens--Collection and preservation.
    Biological specimens--Identification
    Biology Fieldwork
    California condor--Conservation--United States
    Cataloging--Specimens.
    Correspondence
    Field notes
    Mammalogy--Fieldwork.
    Scientific expeditions--Africa
    Scientific expeditions--Asia
    Scientific expeditions--Brazil
    Scientific expeditions--California
    Scientific expeditions--Canada, Northern
    Scientific expeditions--Chile
    Scientific expeditions--Colombia
    Scientific expeditions--Colorado
    Scientific expeditions--Costa Rica
    Scientific expeditions--Ecuador
    Scientific expeditions--Guatemala
    Scientific expeditions--India
    Scientific expeditions--Japan
    Scientific expeditions--Kansas
    Scientific expeditions--Mexico
    Scientific expeditions--Nebraska
    Scientific expeditions--North Dakota
    Scientific expeditions--Oklahoma
    Scientific expeditions--Panama
    Scientific expeditions--Peru
    Scientific expeditions--South Dakota
    Scientific expeditions--Texas
    Scientific expeditions--Uganda
    Scientific expeditions--Venezuela
    Scientific expeditions--Wyoming
    University of California (1868-1952). Museum of Vertebrate Zoology