Mammals

Birds
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Reptiles

Amphibians

Fishes

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Slovenian Museum of Natural History

HERPETOLOGY

Herpetology is the scientific study of reptiles (Reptilia) and amphibians (Amphibia). The first specimens from the extensive herpetological collection in the Slovenian Museum of Natural History originate from the early 19th century, when the Carniolan Provincial Museum was founded in Ljubljana. After World War II, the collection's major part was arranged by Savo Brelih, custodian at the Museum in those times. Today, the collection embraces more than 5,800 inventory units of reptiles, whereas amphibians are represented by incomparably fewer specimens (243). Most numerous in the collection are lizards of the Adriatic islands (family Lacertidae), although other reptile species of the former Yugoslavia are represented by a very solid number as well. Most valuable, however, are our, domestic species, considering that over 600 specimens of reptiles caught in Slovenian territory constitute an irreplaceable source of information for the study of zoogeography, evolution and systematics of this highly interesting animal group. The collection also encloses specimens from other European countries, Asia as well as other parts of the world.

The majority of herpetological specimens are liquid- preserved. Some of the specimens, predominantly turtles, are dry preserved (skulls, carapace and plastron). (Photo: A. Petrinjak)

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