Amphibian

The reptile collection (MHNC-UP/ANF) currently consists of about 800 specimens. Most are preserved in fluid, although there is a small number of taxidermy mounts, as well as a few osteological preparations and eggs. Modern specimens have an associated tissue collection, preserved in absolute ethanol and suitable for molecular studies.

The main collections are those of amphibians from northern Portugal, collected by Augusto Nobre (1865–1946) and other naturalists associated with the Museum in the late 19th/early 20th centuries, as well as the important collection of African amphibians collected by Francisco Newton (1864–1909) during his expedition to Angola for the Polytechnic Academy of Porto (1903–1905). There are also various assorted specimens collected by naturalists and museum collaborators during the 20th century. Recently and in the course of expeditions conducted by the MHNC-UP’s team, an important collection is being organized, consisting of African amphibians, and focusing especially on the herpetofauna of the African countries of Portuguese official language (PALOP). 

The main research lines associated with this collection focus on the study of African and European herpetofauna, as well as on its growth, maintenance and conservation, and supporting research projects, for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

The collection is almost entirely digitized and georeferenced, available on GBIF.