Herpetology
Sternberg Museum of Natural History (FHSM) Herpetology Collection
The Herpetology Collection at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Fort Hays State University (FHSM) contains more than 16,000 recent cataloged specimens. FHSM is a major repository for vouchers, references, and research specimens from the Great Plains and beyond. Fossil amphibians, reptiles, and turtles are maintained in the Division of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Data Access
The collection can be accessed using the following links
Terms of Use
The Division of Herpetology specimens, databases, and images are owned and copyrighted by the Sternberg Museum of Natural History or licensed to it. The data and images may be used freely by individuals and organizations for purposes of basic research, education, and conservation. These data and images may not be used for commercial or for-profit purposes without the express written consent of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and may not be repackaged, resold, or redistributed in any form. Use of the data or images in publications, dissertations, and theses, or other scientific reports, should be accompanied by an acknowledgment of the Division of Herpetology, Sternberg Museum of Natural History, as the source for the information. Please provide the Department with separate articles resulting from the use of these data or images. This helps us to document the use of specimens as “vouchers” in the literature. It also helps us to justify continued funding for the collections so that these resources remain available in the future.
Staff Publications
Publications that utilized FHSM herpetology specimens
Outreach
The FHSM Staff is available for outreach programs at various levels (Grade School through High School, and adult organizations). Email Education and Outreach Director, Ian Trevethan, at ijtrevethan@fhsu.edu for more information.
Visiting
Visiting the collections is encouraged, when possible, especially when dealing with type and/or rare specimens. Please contact the appropriate Curator and Collections Manager for more information.
Please direct all specimen inquiries to:
Dr. Jackson R. Roberts, Zoological Collections Manager (jrroberts6@fhsu.edu)
Dr. William J. "Bill" Stark, Associate Curator (wstark@fhsu.edu)