Herpetology, Hamburg

Historical
Collection
material

The research collection of this department comprises around 90,000 specimens of amphibians and reptiles. The history of the collection goes back to 1825. Many originate from commercial travellers, from the acquisition of other collections (e.g. Museum Godeffroy) or from research expeditions. Accordingly, a wide variety of regions (Europe, Australia, South America, Asia, South-East Asia) are represented with valuable, often historical collections.

Focus
Southeast Asia

Biodiversity research on amphibians in Southeast Asia is an important focus of the department. The species richness of frogs in the tropics has long been underestimated. Expeditions organised by the department have led to the discovery of new species as well as the discovery and description of their tadpole forms.