Zoological Collection (Martin Luther University)
The zoological collections at the Institute for Zoology at the Martin Luther University Halle is an entomological collection. It is considered one of the most important in Germany and has existed since 1769.
The collection is largely based on historical collections from the 19th century , including Hermann Burmeister's on South America . But species from China , Cuba and Mongolia can also be found in the collection. As a center for biodiversity research in Saxony-Anhalt , it also houses many native birds and mammals whose population is threatened.
The collection is subdivided into that of invertebrates and a vertebrate collection . The former has a high proportion of species that are already extinct or endangered. In addition, this part contains an extensive insect collection with almost 1,000,000 exhibits from almost all insect orders . The second part consists of around 51,000 specimens of skeletons and follicles . Currently, around 5,600 pieces from the vertebrate collection are on display in 150 showcases, while twenty-two of the invertebrates are shown on the first floor. Insects are an exception . These are kept in about 3,000 boxes in cupboards. However, the majority of the collection is reserved for research and is therefore not exhibited.