Bocage’s scientific work led to the description of numerous species, particularly of Portuguese and African fauna, and he published extensively on taxonomy, advancing zoological knowledge in Portugal and its overseas territories.

His father, João José Barbosa du Bocage, was a cadet in the army but emigrated to Brazil in 1830 due to his opposition to the absolutist regime of King Miguel I of Portugal.

The family reunited in Rio de Janeiro, where Bocage’s maternal uncle, José Ferreira Pestana [pt], had established a school where both his parents taught.

By 1851, he had become a full professor, dedicating more than 30 years to teaching zoology and organizing scientific research at the institution, which later became part of the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Science [pt].

[1][2] Throughout his career, Bocage published 177 scientific papers and described approximately 100 new species, focusing on the classification of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and sponges.

His scientific collaborations extended internationally, including with the Natural History Museum in Paris, where he secured collections in exchange for Portuguese specimens taken during the Napoleonic invasion of Iberia.

He served on committees for Public Instruction, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Overseas Territories, advocating for a structured colonization policy and supporting Portuguese geographical knowledge and expansion in Africa.

He advocated for Portuguese control of territories connecting Angola and Mozambique, a vision partially articulated in the Pink Map, although ultimately opposed by British interests.