Herpetology studies reptile and amphibian biodiversity. Our research on the systematics, evolution, biogeography, genetics, morphology, conservation, ecology, and behavior of reptiles and amphibians is grounded by extensive field work and research collections consisting of more than 340,000 specimens and associated data.
Research
Members of KU herpetology investigate the diversity of reptiles and amphibians using collections, field study, and work in the molecular laboratory to discover new diversity, characterize global patterns of diversity, and understand the evolutionary origins of this diversity.
Collections
The KU Herpetology collections are among the largest research collections of reptile and amphibian specimens in the world. Our actively growing collections are accessed thousands of times every year through on-line searches, loans and on-site visits.