Use and maintenance of biological collections, BI, UNAM

Abstract

The biological collections of the Biology National Institute, UNAM (Instituto Nacional de Biologia, IBUNAM) successfully fulfill their functions in support of scientific research, teaching and cultural extension. Since their origins in the early years of the 20th century their formal acknowledgments by the academic and administrative authorities have been recorded in writing, their growth and strengthening were due to the unconditional and ongoing support from their curators and staff members. The guidelines described in the correspondent section of the internal regulation of the IBUNAM for curatorial work of the specimens have guaranteed the support and maintenance of their specimen setting, facilities and associated data. By contrast, other biological collections without formal acknowledgment by the internal regulations of their institutions disappeared or lack the required attention to guarantee their proper operation such as hired curators, staff, equipment and supplies.