Catalogue of the type specimens of Bufonidae and Megophryidae (Amphibia: Anura) from resea

104 type specimens of toads representing 27 taxa in two families are cataloged, with 16 taxa currently recognized as valid species or subspecies. The dataset includes multiple images per specimen, collection data, maps, and references. Digitization was performed within the framework of a specific research project (RFBR №15-29-02457).

Use Cases

• Taxonomic identification and validation based on detailed specimen images and collection data.
• Historical analysis of species descriptions and collection provenance based on referenced expeditions and exchanges.
• Geographic distribution mapping of type localities based on the included maps.

Strengths

• Includes 104 type specimens with multiple standardized images (dorsal, ventral, lateral, head views).
• Documents provenance from major global museums and historical expeditions, providing rich contextual metadata.
• Covers 27 distinct taxa, offering a focused resource for two amphibian families.

Limitations

• Row count and specific file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Research collections of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences.

Collection Method

Digitization of physical type specimens, including imaging and cataloging of associated data.

Time Range

Specimens collected primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with recent digitization.

Geography

Global, with specimens from Central Asia, Turkestan, Persia, South-East Asia, and exchanges with European and North American museums.