Herpetology

The herpetological collection of the ZFMK documents biodiversity and serves as a repository for researchers who are working on the taxonomy, biogeography, (macro)ecology, phylogenetics, evolution, parasitology, and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Data obtained from collection material is also frequently used for modern techniques such as genetic analyses, micro-CT scanning, and species distribution modelling, which highlights the withstanding importance of such scientific collections.

About the collection

The herpetological collection houses more than 110,000 catalogued specimens from over 200 countries. All major groups of amphibians and reptiles, which are traditionally united in the collection, are represented.

History

In 1951, the curatorship for herpetology was installed at the Museum Koenig. Since then, the herpetological collection has become one of the largest of its kind in Germany.