Primary scope:

COREO Region (if known):
SEEON - Southeast Ecological Observatory

Owner of the site:
University of Alabama

Primary collection type:
Taxonomic

Description:
The University of Alabama Herpetological Collection (UAHC) is an educational and research collection of moderate size, with over 7,000 preserved and skeletal specimens, mostly of the southeastern herpetofauna. Valuable specimens of species, some rare, from other ecosystems of North, Central, and South America are also documented in this collection. The collection includes materials from the works of early 20th century naturalists, as well as specimens from more recent expeditions. Specimens and associated ecological data serve to inventory diversity and the general health of ecosystems since the early 1900's. The collection has also provided reference materials for teaching and data that have been invaluable in education of students from K through 12 upwards to university level. Finally, the combined diversity and historical significance of specimens in the collection continues to provide invaluable research materials and information to researchers from UA and other institutions, as well as those environmental, state, and federal agencies. Specimens are regularly studied at UA or at other institutions for natural history studies, ecological and environmental questions, medically-related issues, and biodiversity status.

Contact name:
Amelia K. Ward

Contact title:
Director, Center for Freshwater Studies

Contact email:
award@biology.as.ua.edu

Contact phone number:
205 348 1796

Contributor name:
Leslie Rissler

Contributor relationship to location:
Faculty curator

Contributor email:
lrissler@biology.as.ua.edu

Contributor phone number:
205 348 4052