The major part of the Herpetological collection was destroyed in 1956. Since then, the species from the Carpathian Basin, and our dry bone collection for comparative purposes are the most remarkable. We have significant materials from the Palearctic regions, such as the Balkan Peninsula, North Africa, Mongolia; the tropics, South-eastern Asia (Vietnam, Taiwan, India), and South America (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia).
Ninety percent of the collection is identified on species level.
Staff
Senior curator: Judit Vörös
Museologist: Előd Márton
Preparator:
Collection size
Total specimen number: nearly 20 000 (16 000 from the Carpathian Basin, 4 000 from other parts of the world)
Species number: nearly 350
Type specimens: -
Library: 700 books and 6 000 reprints
Remarkable collections
North Africa
In the expedition of Algeria guided by Olivér György Dely and Ferenc Zilahy in 1973, 232 specimens were collected. Three years later, as a result of the expedition in Egypt (organized by The Hungarian Natural History Museum), this collection become larger by nearly 300 amphibians and reptiles. György Topál’s collecting work (between 1961 and 1980) was also significant.He brought 200 specimens from India and Argentina .
Mongolia
Between 1963 and 1968, Zoltán Kaszab organised six solo expeditions to Mongolia that was an almost unexplored area from a zoological point of view back then. During his tours, he collected more than 500 amphibian and reptile specimens, most of which are unidentified.
Availability
The Collection of Amphibians and Reptiles is in the central building of HNHM (1088 Budapest, Baross u. 13.).
Ninety-five percent of the specimens is preserved in 70% ethanol, the remaining 5% are bones, skins or mounted specimens.
Collection specimens are filed in systematic order.The unidentified materials, classified by geographical regions (e.g. material collected by Zoltán Kaszab in Mongolia), are stored in separate cabinets.
Ninety percent of the data of our specimens is recorded and available in our digital database.
The collection is open for visitors by appointment only.
Most collection materials are available for loan and scientific examination for external researchers.
Research loans
Loan policy statement (PDF)
Loan agreement (DOC)
On-site examination
Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Research permit form (DOC)
To discuss any of your requests please contact our curator and museologist at the following address: voros.judit@nhmus.hu, marton.elod@nhmus.hu
