CM Herps Collection

Abstract

Herpetology maintains a collection of more than 207,500 specimens and ranks as about the ninth largest amphibian and reptile collection in the United States. Ninety percent are fluid preserved; others are preserved as skeletons, skins, mounts, or cleared and stained preparations. Notable historic collections rich in type specimens are the Taylor Philippine collection, the Le Boutellier collection of South American snakes, and specimens from early museum expeditions to the Isle of Pines and Angola. Collection data are completely computerized. Collection growth has averaged 1–2% per year. There are approximately 35 new research loans a year handled by the collection manager, and around 80 research data inquiries are filled annually. Research is supported by a library with an outstanding collection of 19th-century herpetological literature (Gunther Collection) and more than 22,000 reprints.