Annotated list of amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica: The role of the Museum of Zoology in cataloging the country’s herpetological diversity

Costa Rica's herpetological diversity, comprising 221 amphibian and 257 reptile species, has been significantly documented through the efforts of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Costa Rica (MZUCR). This collection, one of the most comprehensive in the country, holds over 24,000 cataloged specimens, including critical holotypes and paratypes for 47 species. The study updates the list of native species, addressing taxonomic controversies, while also tracing the history of the MZUCR's collection since its inception in the 1960s. Despite extensive sampling, gaps remain in the northern lowlands and Caribbean foothills of the Talamanca Range, indicating ongoing exploration needs. The research underscores the museum's pivotal role in advancing biological knowledge and taxonomic decisions for Costa Rica's herpetofauna.

Sasa, M., Arias, E., & Chaves, G. (2025). Lista anotada de anfibios y reptiles de Costa Rica: el papel del Museo de Zoología en la catalogación de la diversidad herpetológica del país. Revista de Biología Tropical, 73(S2), e64536. https://doi.org/10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v73is2.64536