Catalogue of the Reptiles from Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) preserved in the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales

Abstract

A complete catalogue of reptiles found in Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) is provided in this paper. The catalogue is taxonomically indexed and listed in alphabetical order including all basic data. It includes all information available in card files and old collection books of the MNCN. We have confirmed which reptiles in the current collection appear as being collected in Madrid, in old records, catalogue books and collection cards in the collection of amphibians and reptiles of the MNCN. The information of these old databases has been verified and mistakes corrected. As a consequence of this revision, the existence of 2237 specimens of reptiles originating in the above-indicated area and exisincluded in 1039 computer records, has been confirmed as of 30 November 2005. Among the oldest specimens included in the collection are some collected by the founding father of Spanish herpetology (Eduardo Boscá y Casanoves) or by a member of the Pacific Scientific Commission (Francisco de P. Martínez y Sáez) and deposited in the MNCN more than 140 years ago. These specimens and their data are preserved at the MNCN as part of our common National Heritage, for future generations of researchers as witnesses of the past and present biodiversity. Distribution areas for several species have been extended.