Louis Fraser (1810–1866) was a British zoologist and collector. In his early years Fraser was Curator of the Museum of the Zoological Society of London.[1] He participated in the Niger expedition of 1841 as the African Civilization Society's scientist, with Allen and Thomson.[1] Upon his return he became in charge of Lord Derby's collection at Knowsley Hall.[1] He wrote Zoologica Typica, or figures of the new and rare animals and birds in the collection of the Zoological Society of London, a lavishly illustrated large-sized book, published in 1849. In this book he described a large number of new species of birds. In 1850, Fraser was appointed Consul of Quidah, Dahomey (now Benin), West Africa.[2] In 1859, he collected birds and mammals in Ecuador for Philip Lutley Sclater of the Zoological Society of London, and the year after in California. Upon his return to London, he opened a shop in Regent Street, London, selling exotic birds. The last years of his life he spent in America.[2]
A number of species have been named in his honour, including Fraser's Eagle-Owl, Bubo poensis, Fraser's Warbler,[3] Basileuterus fraseri and Fraser's Musk Shrew, Crocidura poensis.[2]