SHNA-OFAB

What SHNA-OFAB does

SHNA-OFAB (Société d'histoire naturelle d'Autun - Observatoire de la Faune de Bourgogne) is a French non-profit association (loi 1901), founded in 1886 and recognized as being of public utility since 1895, that studies, inventories, and conserves biodiversity across the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Its core mission is to produce scientifically validated wildlife data for regional conservation planning, environmental impact assessment, and public policy support (ZNIEFF, Natura 2000, Trame verte et bleue). It serves regional and local public authorities, water agencies, departmental and regional councils, national parks, and other conservation NGOs, coordinating a network of seven volunteer naturalist groups (Chiroptera, Crayfish, Otter, Botany, Invertebrates, Reptiles/Amphibians, Geology/Paleontology) alongside approximately 20 salaried staff.

The organization's flagship technology is Neomys, a multi-module naturalist information system (rebranded in 2026 from the Bourgogne Base Fauna, originally launched 2005). Neomys consists of Neomys Base (central professional database), Neomys Naturalistes (community observation portal), Neomys Mobile (field data entry), Neomys Atlas (public-facing visualization and species fact sheets), and Neomys Enquêtes (participatory citizen science surveys). All modules are geo-referenced and feed a scientific validation committee that has certified over 2 million naturalist observations. The organization also maintains the Muséum d'histoire naturelle Jacques de La Comble (800,000+ specimens) and a 50,000-volume scientific library, and operates four regional antennas in Autun, Saulieu, Chalon-sur-Saône, and La Charité-sur-Loire.

Revenue is generated through three streams: annual membership dues (with bimonthly bulletin and museum access benefits), individual and organizational donations, and — most significantly — institutional grants and subsidies from DREAL Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Région BFC, the European Union, water agencies (Seine-Normandie, Loire-Bretagne), and departmental councils (Côte-d'Or, Nièvre, Yonne). Services are distributed via direct contracts with municipalities and intercommunal structures (biodiversity atlases, expert assistance, Natura 2000 animation), the self-serve Neomys platform for citizens and naturalists, the SOS Faune wildlife rescue coordination service, and free-loan traveling exhibitions distributed to regional cultural venues.

Name

SHNA-OFAB

Legal name

Société d'histoire naturelle d'Autun - Observatoire de la Faune de Bourgogne

Website

https://shna-ofab.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1886

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SHNA-OFAB is a French non-profit association founded in 1886 that studies and conserves biodiversity in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté via the Neomys naturalist data platform, a museum and library, and a network of seven volunteer groups, serving public authorities, conservation agencies, and citizens.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biodiversity Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biodiversity Baseline Studies & Long-Term Monitoring Programs (EUAHAHAE), Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Threatened & Endangered Species (TES) / Protected Species Surveys & Compliance (EUAHAHAD), Environmental DNA (eDNA) & Advanced Biodiversity Methods (Bioacoustics, Camera Traps) (EUAHAHAM), Nature & Biodiversity Reporting (TNFD, natural capital) (EUAHAJAM), Historic Preservation & Conservation Planning (BPAHAKAH)

Keywords

• Biodiversity monitoring services
• Citizen science platform
• Wildlife conservation
• Natural history collections
• Ecological data management

Headquarters

HQ city

Autun

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees provide core support, with benefits including a bimonthly newsletter bulletin, free access to Muséum Jacques de La Comble in Autun, and optionally two issues of the Revue scientifique Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Nature.
2. Donations: One-time financial contributions from individuals and organizations supporting nature conservation and study efforts in Burgundy.
3. Institutional Grants and Subsidies: Funding from governmental bodies including DREAL Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Region BFC, European Union, water agencies (Seine-Normandie, Loire-Bretagne), and departmental councils (Côte-d'Or, Nièvre, Yonne) supporting biodiversity monitoring, conservation actions, and regional development programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SHNA-OFAB is a French non-profit association (Association loi 1901, reconnue d'utilité publique) that operates the Neomys biodiversity data platform and delivers contracted biodiversity inventory, monitoring, and conservation services across Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It manages a natural history museum with 800,000+ specimens, runs the Observatoire de la Faune de Bourgogne (OFAB), coordinates volunteer naturalist groups, and provides expert technical assistance for Natura 2000 sites, ZNIEFF networks, and municipal biodiversity atlases.

Product overview

SHNA-OFAB operates Neomys, a modular naturalist data management and citizen science platform. The core Neomys 'Base' serves as the central database and professional tool for the SHNA-OFAB team, while multiple specialized modules orbit around it: Neomys Naturalistes enables the naturalist community to input and manage observations; Neomys Mobile provides field-based mobile data entry; Neomys Atlas offers public-facing knowledge dissemination with species fact sheets and real-time data consultation; and Neomys Enquêtes engages citizens through participatory investigations. The platform collectively constitutes the reference tool for wildlife knowledge and biodiversity policy support in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Neomys: Outil phare de l'Observatoire de la Faune de Bourgogne pour la gestion, la valorisation et la diffusion des données naturalistes. Anciennement Bourgogne Base Fauna (BBF). Comprend plusieurs modules: Neomys Base (outil métier), Neomys Naturalistes, Neomys Atlas, et Neomys Enquêtes.

Products and services

• Atlas de biodiversité communale et intercommunale (ABC / ABI)

Quantifiable outcome

• 88 ponds diagnosed and 35 monitored in 2026 alone, contributing to amphibian conservation and habitat restoration planning
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SFEPM (Société française pour l'étude et la protection des mammifères)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational society for mammal study and protection; SHNA-OFAB maintains a SFEPM referent (Hervé Bouard) on its board for coordination on bat and mammal conservation programs.
• SHF (Société Herpétologique de France)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational herpetology society; partners with SHNA-OFAB on amphibian and reptile conservation programs, action plans, and species monitoring.
• OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench biodiversity agency supporting national conservation policy; co-finances OFAB monitoring programs and contributes to wildlife protection initiatives.
• MNHN (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational natural history museum; strengthened historical ties with SHNA through collections and scientific exchange since 1897; shares expertise for specimen identification and conservation research.
• ONF (Office National des Forêts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational forests office; partners on forest biodiversity assessments, pond studies integrating forestry management, and habitat conservation for forest species.
• CEN Bourgogne (Conservatoire d'espaces naturels Bourgogne)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional conservatory of natural spaces; co-hosts La Charité-sur-Loire antenna; collaborates on habitat management and conservation actions across Burgundy.
• LPO BFC (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux de Bourgogne Franche-Comté)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBird protection league regional branch; jointly designed the 'À pas de loutre' otter exhibition; co-located at La Charité-sur-Loire antenna; collaborates on ornithological programs.
• PNRM (Parc naturel régional du Morvan)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional nature park of Morvan; co-founded OFAB in 2000; joint wildlife diagnostic and conservation projects; shared atlas and publication initiatives.
• PNF (Parc national des Forêts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational forest park; SHNA-OFAB participated in biodiversity diagnostic contributing to park management planning.
• ARB BFC (Agence Régionale de la Biodiversité BFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional biodiversity agency; supports Neomys as regional naturalist data reference tool; coordinates regional biodiversity knowledge initiatives.
• CBN BFC-ORI (Conservatoire botanique national de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté - ORI)coreTechnology or IntegrationRegional botanical conservatory and invertebrate observatory; partners on Longicorn Atlas extension and shared taxonomic expertise.
• OPIE FC (Office pour les insectes et leur environnement Franche-Comté)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsect conservation organization for Franche-Comté; co-publishes Longicorn Atlas with SHNA-OFAB and CBN FC-ORI; contributes to beetle survey updates.
• Centre AthenasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife care center providing emergency response for injured animals; listed on SOS Faune page as approved care facility for Burgundy.
• CSOS 89minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife care center for Yonne department; contact point for SOS Faune wildlife rescue coordination.
• CPIE du Sud-ChampagneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental information center providing wildlife rescue services and public education in southern Champagne region.
• Hôpital Faune SauvageminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife hospital providing specialized care for injured wild animals; referenced as regional care resource.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• UICN France: French committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature; an umbrella advocacy and scientific authority in biodiversity conservation that overlaps in mission (Red Lists, species status, conservation policy) with SHNA-OFAB's regional work.
• LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux): France's leading national bird protection association, with which SHNA-OFAB partners through LPO-BFC. Operates its own regional fauna data platforms (Faune-France network) that overlap directly with Neomys in scope and target audience.
• MNHN (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle): France's national natural history museum, in long-standing partnership with SHNA-OFAB since 1897. Comparable in operating natural history collections, libraries and biodiversity expertise, but at national scale and with broader taxonomic and research mandate.
• OFB (Office Français de la Biodiversité): National biodiversity agency that co-finances OFAB and consumes SHNA-OFAB's data. Operates national fauna/flora data systems and could substitute for or absorb regional observatory functions, framing it as the dominant upstream/downstream counterpart.
• Fédération des Conservatoires botaniques nationaux: Federation of France's regional botanical conservatories (including CBN BFC-ORI, an SHNA-OFAB partner). Comparable mission in botanical inventory, herbarium management and conservation planning, but operating a national federation model rather than a single regional society.

Direct peers

• GEPMA (Groupe d'Étude et de Protection des Mammifères d'Alsace): Regional mammal protection and study association in Alsace — closely comparable to SHNA-OFAB's specialist volunteer groups (chiropteres, loutres, mammifères) and to its role as a regional référent data provider.
• CEN Bourgogne: Regional conservatory of natural spaces in Burgundy; co-hosts the La Charité-sur-Loire antenna with SHNA-OFAB. Operates in the same geography with overlapping habitat management and conservation mandates, making it both a partner and the closest territorial peer.
• Bretagne Vivante: Regional natural history and biodiversity protection society in Brittany with the same non-profit (loi 1901) structure, volunteer naturalist groups, observatory-style activities, and citizen-science mission — the closest structural and operational analogue to SHNA-OFAB outside Burgundy.

Emerging players

• Noé Conservation: French environmental NGO running nationwide citizen-science and biodiversity programs (e.g., Observatoire participatif des Vers de Terre, SPIPOLL pollinisateurs). A peer in participatory-science methodology and biodiversity outreach, though smaller and less regionally entrenched than SHNA-OFAB.
• Tela Botanica: French botanical network running the national Vigie-Flore and similar citizen-science platforms. A peer in biodiversity data infrastructure and naturalist community engagement, with overlap in botanical atlas and herbarium work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC--n1vyAruZ2snVeDCMWKnA
• Facebookfacebook.com/SHNA.OFAB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shna-ofab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SHNA-OFAB