Herpetology
The herpetological sub-collection comprises around 160,000 amphibians and reptiles. It combines historical specimens with current research data and forms a key foundation for studies in taxonomy and evolutionary biology.
Overview
The herpetological sub-collection comprises around 160,000 specimens, including amphibians and reptiles from various regions of the world. The collection contains approximately 155,000 animals preserved in alcohol, as well as around 1,400 skeletal, bone and dried specimens.
The sub-collection is supplemented by tissue samples for genetic analysis, recordings of frog calls and around 5,000 photographs, predominantly of type specimens. In addition, micro-CT data for over 1,000 species are available.
Whilst the historical holdings have a global focus, the current emphasis is on African amphibians. Newer acquisitions generally include georeferenced location data, genetic material, and documentation of living animals and their calls.
Access
Access to the sub-collection for research purposes is available on request via the relevant contact persons. Facilities for carrying out research are available on site.
Parts of the sub-collection have been digitised. Individual taxonomic groups have been fully catalogued and can be viewed on request.
The sub-collection includes an extensive specialist herpetological library containing monographs, periodicals and offprints.
History
The oldest items in the sub-collection date from the 18th century and include works by Friedrich Heinrich von Borcke (1704–1747), Marcus Elieser Bloch (1723–1799) and Peter Simon Pallas (1741–1811).
In the 19th century, research expeditions significantly expanded the sub-collection. Significant contributions were made by, amongst others, Friedrich Wilhelm Hemprich (1796–1825) and Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg (1795–1876) from North-East Africa and the Sinai, Friedrich Sellow (1789–1831) and Ignaz von Olfers (1793–1871) from South America, and Wilhelm Peters (1815–1883) from Mozambique.
The collections also include material from colonial contexts, which is now viewed critically from both academic and historical perspectives.
Research
The sub-collection is used for taxonomic and phylogenetic research on amphibians and reptiles. It enables the description of new species as well as analyses of phylogenetic relationships and biogeographical patterns.
Furthermore, it supports studies into the evolution of morphological and anatomical characteristics, as well as, increasingly, ecological questions, such as the adaptation of species to changing habitats.