Assessment of Diversity and Conservation Value of Reptile Specimens in the Animal Specimen Museum of Xinjiang Agricultural University 

Zhou Yiting  Dilishati·Kelimu  Dong Jiawei  Wang Quanyi  Wang Jia^{（Correspondence）}

Xinjiang Key Laboratory for Ecological Adaptation and Evolution of Extreme Environment Organisms / College of Life Sciences, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi China，830052；

Abstract: Specimens of animals are very significant in the study of faunal taxonomy, zoogeography, environmental ecology, and biological resources. For the purpose of enhancing the functions of the Animal Specimen Museum of Xinjiang Agricultural University in university education, academic research, and public education, and realizing the true potential social and scientific values of the museum, this paper conducted a thorough investigation and categorization of the reptile specimens preserved in the Animal Specimen Museum. It involved improving the specimen numbering process, applying proper specimen naming procedures based on current taxonomy lists, and utilizing different techniques like morphology analysis and conservation status of endangered species assessment.Information from the specimens was then analyzed using statistics and digitized electronically. The number of species of reptiles held at the museum is 54, which fall into 3 orders, 12 families, and 27 genera.In this regard, 9 species are found on the National List of Key Protected Wildlife Species, 45 species are included on the List of Terrestrial Wildlife with Significant Ecological, Scientific, and Socio-Cultural Importance, while 53 species can be seen in the China Biodiversity Red List.In conclusion, this study has been successful in digitizing 6,271 reptiles and taking 31,355 photos. The study findings suggest that the reptiles within the museum collections are found within the key geographical areas of Xinjiang, representing a high number of species and underscoring the need for reptile resource conservation within Xinjiang.Further research will be conducted to understand more about the diversity of reptiles and their compositions in Xinjiang, which will provide theoretical foundations for future research into morphologies of reptiles, habitats, and the current conservation status of endangered reptiles.

Keywords: Animal specimen museum; Reptiles; Diversity; Specimen preservation; Conservation list

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