The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology has received a major donation, making it the largest holder of snake specimens in the world. Oregon State University transferred tens of thousands of reptile and amphibian specimens, mostly snakes, to the university’s Research Museums Center. The collection reflects the lifetime work of retired herpetologists Lynne Houck and Stevan Arnold. This acquisition surpasses collections from the Smithsonian Institution and the American Museum of Natural History, placing the University of Michigan at the forefront of herpetological research. Many specimens date back to before the Civil War, adding historical value. Amphibians and reptiles are key indicators of environmental health, offering insights into ecosystem stability.

The newly acquired specimens include around 30,000 snakes and approximately 30,000 frozen tissue samples, enabling advanced genetic and evolutionary research. According to Schneider, the collection will facilitate new studies on trait evolution, particularly between mother snakes and their offspring. The specimens, preserved in a solution of 75% ethanol, offer rare opportunities to examine both adult snakes and their litters, a feature uncommon in museum collections. Hernán López-Fernández, an associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, emphasized that these materials will support research in molecular genetics and have significant applications in medicine. Despite the meticulous task of cataloging the collection, the university staff has shown renewed enthusiasm due to the scientific potential these specimens provide.