The National Museum in Prague has received a significant collection of 776 specimens of non-flying mammals from New Guinea, marking a rare addition to Central European museum archives. The collection, which includes 63 species ranging from 12-gram rodents to nine-kilogram kangaroos, was primarily assembled by researcher František Vejmělka during a 2019 expedition to Mount Wilhelm and subsequent collaborative efforts through 2022. According to Daniela Procházková, spokesperson for the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the donation features four previously undescribed species of Lorentzimys forest mice and the Mallomys istapantap, one of the world’s largest rodents.
What is in the collection?
The acquisition comprises 560 specimens preserved in alcohol, approximately 200 skeletal remains, and 16 study skins. The diverse range of fauna spans 32 genera and 10 families, including bandicoots, cuscuses, opossums, and sugar gliders. A notable component of the collection is the Mallomys istapantap, a rodent that can reach 85 centimeters in length and weigh up to two kilograms. Petr Benda, curator of the National Museum’s mammal collection, described the acquisition as a “monumental material,” noting that such extensive collections from the Australian region are uncommon in middle European institutions.
How was the data collected?
The majority of the specimens were gathered during a six-month expedition in 2019, where Vejmělka systematically documented mammal biodiversity on the 4,509-meter-high Mount Wilhelm. The researcher attributed the success of this field work to the expertise of local Papuan landowners. “Domorodí lovci mě provázeli v horách a pomáhali mi zvířata najít,” Vejmělka stated, emphasizing that the project would not have been possible without their local knowledge. Additional material was contributed by researchers at the Binatang Research Centre (BRC) between 2021 and 2022, a project coordinated remotely by Vejmělka during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the future of this research?
The collection is expected to serve as a reference point for future taxonomic research, genetic analysis, and studies on how climate change impacts mountain ecosystems. Because the material includes organ samples, it is likely to facilitate ongoing studies regarding parasites, viruses, and other pathogens. While the specimens are now housed in Prague, they will remain accessible to the international scientific community. A substantial portion of the collection is also slated for donation to the National Museum of Papua New Guinea to bolster local zoological efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the primary expedition for this collection?
The research was primarily led by František Vejmělka, who conducted a six-month expedition on Mount Wilhelm in 2019.
What is the scientific value of this specific collection?
According to curator Petr Benda, the collection is considered monumental for its size and rarity in Central Europe, providing a foundation for future taxonomy and the study of climate change impacts on alpine fauna.
Are these animals found elsewhere in the world?
The majority of the specimens are endemic species, meaning they are native to the region and do not exist anywhere else in the world.
How might the integration of such extensive regional data change our current understanding of mountain ecosystem responses to global climate shifts?
Related reading