University of Michigan Acquires Massive Collection of Jarred Snake Specimens, Known to be Largest in the World

Donation from Oregon State includes 30,000 snakes and associated tissue samples, boosting reptile and amphibian collection believed to be largest in U.S., and unlocking valuable research opportunities in trait evolution, genetics, ecosystem health, and medical applications.

• The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology has boosted its reptile and amphibian collection to potentially the largest in the world, following a substantial donation from Oregon State University. The donated specimens include around 30,000 snakes, upping the university's snake count to an estimated 65,000 to 70,000.
• The specimens are incredibly valuable for research, particularly studies on trait evolution in reptile and amphibian mothers and offspring. Furthermore, they play an important role as biological indicators of environmental and ecosystem health.
• The newly acquired collection includes a number of jars housing both snakes and their newborns, a rarity for museum collections that will allow researchers to study genetics in a new way.
• In addition to the specimens, the university also acquired about 30,000 associated frozen tissue samples. With advancements in molecular genetics and sophisticated DNA analyses, these samples could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of inheritance, evolutionary relationships, and have significant implications for medicine.
• Despite the challenge of organizing the new collection, the university's research team is reportedly excited about the potential research opportunities. These specimens and associated materials will significantly broaden the range of possible research studies.

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