Reptile collection

The reptiles include five phylogenetic groups of amniote vertebrates: turtles, sphenodontians, squamates (snakes, amphisbaenians and lizards), crocodiles and birds. The Muséum’s reptile collection comprises the first four groups.

Presentation

The reptile collection contains over 25,000 specimens including around 4,000 type specimens. It consists of specimens in fluid, stuffed specimens, skeletons and skins. Some specimens or samples require particular conservation methods, such as tissues for genetic analyses and anatomical slides. The collection is stored in the Zoothèque.

The catalogues of this collection are computerised and the database is accessible on the Muséum collection database website and the GBIF website.

History

The collection’s origin is in line with that of the Muséum. The first registered specimens come from the King’s Cabinet collection. The historical fund contains specimens gathered during the great scientific explorations of the early 19th century, and the specimens that enabled the production of the longest book on the subject, L’Erpétologie générale in 9 volumes, published between 1834-1854 and recently reprinted.

The reptile collection contains many specimens from Africa, Madagascar and Indochina. More recently, it was further enriched by the work of the Muséum’s researchers and by major donations (Laurent Chirio, Maxime Lamotte and Charles Blanc collections).

From a scientific and heritage viewpoint, the Muséum’s reptile collection is one of the world’s leading collections of historical type specimens (from the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century) and of type specimens of species described since 1950. The collection’s strength lies in its long history, and its large number of type specimens and specimens of species that are now extinct.

Research

The reptile collection is a dynamic tool that enables the Muséum to perform its various missions for science and exhibit. The specimens are used in the fields of systematics, ecology, morphology and comparative anatomy. The collection is constantly evolving thanks to integrative approaches (molecular sequencing, CT scan, venom research) and field work enabling the incorporation of new specimens. It also presents various kinds of data related to the specimens (field observations, DNA sequences, photographs, films, etc.).

The collection welcomes many visiting researchers and students who in return help to enrich it through knowledge translation - by designating new type specimens for example. It also provides a basis for expert work with governmental and private sector bodies (customs, IUCN, Natura 2000, CITES, agri-food industry). Finally, historical specimens and stuffed specimens are very sought after for exhibitions in Frenchmuséums and international institutions.

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