Introduction of a novel natural history collection: a model for global scientific collaboration and enhancement of biodiversity infrastructure with a focus on developing countries

Rhinobothryum lentiginosum (Scopoli, 1788) (Serpentes, Colubridae): additional country record and first list of voucher specimens for Bolivia

“…The specimen was deposited at the herpetology collection of Centro de Investigación de Recursos Acuáticos (CHNH CIRA-UABJB) in Trinidad, Beni, Bolivia (see Eversole et al 2019 for additional information). Specimen collection was approved by the TAMUK (#2018-05-22) and TAMIU (#2018-3) Animal Care and Use Committees and permitted by the Dirección General de Biodiversidad y Áreas Protegidas Bolivia.…”

Herpetofauna of the Reserva de la Biósfera Estación Biológica del Beni and the Chimane Reserve Indigenous Territory, Bolivia

“…Captured individuals were measured and weighed, and these data were subsequently recorded. Following these measurements, we identified sex and photographed each individual following the methodology of Eversole et al [33]. Each specimen was then deposited into the herpetology collection of Centro de Investigación de Recursos Acuáticos (CIRA) at Universidad Autónoma del Beni "José Ballivián" in Trinidad, Bolivia [33].…”

“…Following these measurements, we identified sex and photographed each individual following the methodology of Eversole et al [33]. Each specimen was then deposited into the herpetology collection of Centro de Investigación de Recursos Acuáticos (CIRA) at Universidad Autónoma del Beni "José Ballivián" in Trinidad, Bolivia [33]. We followed the taxonomic authority of the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (Retrieved 30 October 2020, from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (http://www.itis.gov)).…”

“…Studies that focus on species inventory and documentation have been noted as fundamental in designating conservation areas and advocating for extended and continued protection of nature reserves [39] This is especially important due to the ever-increasing anthropogenic effects on natural resources and biodiversity across remote areas of the developing world (e.g. Bolivia; [33]). Furthermore, as stated by Rocha et al [39], it is estimated that ≥86% of earth's species remain unknown; therefore, scientists should strive to rigorously document biodiversity through carefully planned collections in order to effectively preserve and understand it.…”

“…Bolivian ecosystems, in particular the habitat mosaics present in the Beni department, maintain a large amount of neotropical biodiversity. However, Bolivia, like many neotropical sites, is extremely underserved in regards to biodiversity research and monitoring, especially in comparison to other parts of the world [33]. Therefore, continued and future research is greatly needed to fully document, understand, and maintain this incredible amount of biodiversity, which has major implications in global ecology and conservation.…”