Aportes al estudio del género Micrurus a partir de los índices de conocimiento sobre biodiversidad aplicados a tres colecciones herpetológicas más representativas del país

Abstract

Biological collections are a very valuable source for the investigation of biological groups, since they are collected at a specific time and place, which offer a window to the past and allow planning for the future, where ophidian collections become relevant, not only for their medical importance but also for the ecology of snakes. Considering that the genus Micrurus is well known for its striking colored rings in most of its species, and the neurotoxicity of its venom, biological collections are one of the ways that make possible its ex situ study. Therefore, the biodiversity knowledge indexes are applied to the data published in SiB Colombia for 2024 of the three most representative biological collections in the country: Instituto de Ciencias Naturales -ICN-, Instituto Alexander von Humboldt -IAvH- and Museo de La Salle -MLS-. Demonstrating the low, but representative taxonomic diversity in each one, the lack and importance of curatorship, the possibilities of new records in the country, the departments and years of greatest collection, the deficit in research in protected areas, and the little importance given by the authorities to this biological group. Based on the results, it is proposed to optimize the quality of collection to improve diversity in the collections, taking into account inter-institutional links to avoid over-collecting; to encourage research, both on snakes and in collections; to promote research on snakes and collections; and to promote research in the field.