Reptile
The reptile collection (MHNC-UP/Rep) currently consists of about 700 specimens. Most of these are preserved in fluid, although there is a small number of taxidermy mounts. There are also a few osteological preparations and eggs. Modern specimens have an associated tissue collection, preserved in absolute ethanol for molecular studies.
The main collections are: those of reptiles from Northern Portugal, collected by Augusto Pereira Nobre (1865–1946) and other naturalists associated with the Museum in late 19th/early 20th centuries; the important collection of African reptiles collected by Francisco Newton (1864–1909) during his expedition to Angola for the Polytechnic Academy of Porto (1903–1905); smaller collections donated by the former Museu Bocage (Lisbon), Museu Butantan (São Paulo, Brazil); and various assorted specimens collected by naturalists and museum collaborators during the 20th century. Recently, in the course of expeditions conducted by the MHNC-UP’s team, an important collection of African reptiles, especially focusing on the herpetofauna of the African countries of Portuguese official language, is being developed.
The main research lines associated with this collection focus on the study of African and European herptofauna, the growth, maintenance and conservation of the collections, and the support for research projects, as well as undergraduate and graduate studies.
Currently the collection is almost completely digitized and georeferenced, available on GBIF.
The main collections are: those of reptiles from Northern Portugal, collected by Augusto Pereira Nobre (1865–1946) and other naturalists associated with the Museum in late 19th/early 20th centuries; the important collection of African reptiles collected by Francisco Newton (1864–1909) during his expedition to Angola for the Polytechnic Academy of Porto (1903–1905); smaller collections donated by the former Museu Bocage (Lisbon), Museu Butantan (São Paulo, Brazil); and various assorted specimens collected by naturalists and museum collaborators during the 20th century. Recently, in the course of expeditions conducted by the MHNC-UP’s team, an important collection of African reptiles, especially focusing on the herpetofauna of the African countries of Portuguese official language, is being developed.
The main research lines associated with this collection focus on the study of African and European herptofauna, the growth, maintenance and conservation of the collections, and the support for research projects, as well as undergraduate and graduate studies.
Currently the collection is almost completely digitized and georeferenced, available on GBIF.
