Claude Mélançon (1895–1973) was a Canadian naturalist who worked in the popularization of natural sciences. He is recognized as a Quebec pioneer in the popularization of science. Mélançon was very prolific as a naturalist, lecturer, and author (novelist and journalist). He was very active in many circles interested in natural sciences.
Career Mélançon was a member of the Canadian Society of Natural History (in French: Société canadienne d'histoire naturelle) and the Zoological Society of Quebec (in French: Société zoologique de Québec).
Main published works His main works, several times republished, are entitled: Par terre et par eau (By land and by water); 25 editions published between 1900 and 1956 in French; Inconnus et méconnus (sur les amphibiens et reptiles) (Unknown and misunderstood (on amphibians and reptiles)); 10 editions published between 1950 and 1996 in French; Nos animaux chez eux (portant sur les mammifères) (Our animals at home (on mammals)); 29 editions published between 1934 and 1988 in French; Charmants voisins (portant sur les oiseaux) (Charming Neighbors (covering birds)); 32 editions published between 1940 and 2006 in 3 languages; Les poissons de nos eaux (Fishes in our waters); 30 editions published between 1936 ans 2006 in French. Indian Legends of Canada; 25 editions published between 1967 and 1986 in French and English; Percé et les oiseaux de l'Ile Bonaventure; 14 editions published between 1963 and 1974; Mon alphabet des villes du Canada; 2 editions published in 1944 in French; Mon alphabet des villes du Québec; 2 editions published in 1944 in French.Worldcat.org - List of Claude Mélançon published books
Toponyms "Claude Mélançon" Created in 1988, the Claude-Mélançon Ecological Reserve have been named in recognition of his great contribution in the public sphere to the popularization of the natural sciences.Commission de Toponymie Québec - Réserve écologique Claude-Mélançon Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques - Réserve écologique Claude-Mélançon.
In 2005, the city of Montreal adopted the toponymic designation "Parc Claude-Mélançon" in his memory. This relaxation park is located on rue Saint-Christophe in the borough of Ville-Marie.Site officiel de la Ville de Montréal - Parc Claude-Mélançon.
A recreational park in the city of Boucherville has been named after him.Official website of City of Boucherville - Parc Claude-Mélançon.
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