BIRDS
In cooperation with other institutions, an extensive collection has been built up (approx. 6,200 stuffed specimens and skins). In addition to specimens from the local region, numerous bird species from the rest of the Palearctic region (the landmasses of Europe and North Africa up to the southern edge of the Sahara and Asia) and from other faunal realms are included. The collection includes a number of rare species, some of which are threatened with extinction.
MAMMALS
In addition to the extensive collection of specimens of native mammals, representatives from all relevant orders are also present. In total, the collection includes more than 900 specimens. In addition to marsupials and primates, the most important species of native “small mammals” are present in the collection, and the range of species of native land predators (carnivores) is also fully represented. Special highlights include an historical stuffed orangutan and a female okapi.
SKELETON COLLECTION
The collection comprises more than 1,000 skeletons or parts of skeletons, with a focus on native birds and mammals; there is an extensive skull collection of the latter. Some of the skeletons are on display, including red deer, domestic horse, platypus and kiwi. A notable piece is an almost complete skeleton of the giant panda, which came to the museum around 1915.
PRESERVED SPECIMENS
The collection of caudates (Caudata) now includes 1,300 catalogue numbers in 70 species, some of which are represented by several subspecies. There are also nine type specimens of great scientific importance, most of which are among the few specimens saved after the Second World War from the famous collection of Dr Willy Wolterstorff. The particularly valuable assemblage of lizards (genus Lacerta) features specimens from all over Europe, the Caucasus region and Central Asia. The fish collection includes both specimens preserved in alcohol and painted casts of original fish specimens.
