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Invertebrates Collection
Research Staff
Dr. Michael M. Gangloff, Research
Affiliate. Appalachian State University Emily Hartfield, Graduate Research Assistant. 331 Funchess Hall
Pleurobema decisum
HoldingsThe state of Alabama historically supported North America's most diverse invertebrate fauna. This diversity most notable among the freshwater and terrestrial Mollusca. Approximately 200 of the 300 known species of North American freshwater mussels have been reported from Alabama. Additionally, Alabama once supported nearly 250 species of aquatic snails. Unfortunately, this spectacular biodiversity has been severely compromised by human activities. Modification of large river systems has resulted in substantial habitat loss, and many aquatic species now have highly fragmented distributions. Begining in 1999 we began to accumulate material from Alabama's populations of mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates. Presently, the Invertebrate Collection contains >7500 catalogued lots. The Invertebrate Collection is presently located (along with the Fish, Mammal, and Paleo-herpetelogical collections) in the Physiology Building but will move to Cary Hall in 2006. The collection is searchable on-line through a secure server using FileMaker (GO TO SEARCH). The mission of the Auburn University Natural History Learning Center and Museum (AUNHLCM) is to serve as a research and teaching resource for scientists and students interested in the spectacular biodiversity of the southeastern United States. The AUNHLCM greatfully accepts material from agencies, consulting firms, and private or amateur collectors. We will gladly identify specimens provided some material is included for assimilation into the collection. The AUNHLCM
is a public resource and access to and deposition of material into all
collections is provided free of charge. For more information regarding data use
and visiting the Invertebrate collections please contact the Invertebrate
Collection Manager, Dr. Brian Helms (helmsbs@auburn.edu).
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