# Bavarian State Collection of Zoology

> German research institution for zoological systematics

**Wikidata**: [Q220219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q220219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavarian_State_Collection_of_Zoology)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bavarian-state-collection-of-zoology

## Summary
The Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (Zoologische Staatssammlung München, or ZSM) is a German research institution and scientific collection focused on zoological systematics. Located in Munich, Germany, it operates as a research institute and is a member of the Bavarian Natural History Collections. The institution was founded by Johann Baptist von Spix and is currently directed by Gerhard Haszprunar.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM), also known as the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology.
- **Location:** Münchhausenstr. 21, Obermenzing (Pasing-Obermenzing), Munich, Germany.
- **Coordinates:** Latitude 48.164666666667, Longitude 11.482166666667.
- **Inception:** The institution dates its inception to 1807, though some records reference a history extending back to 1759.
- **Founder:** Johann Baptist von Spix.
- **Parent Organization:** Bavarian Natural History Collections (SNSB).
- **Type:** Research institute and scientific collection.
- **Director/Manager:** Gerhard Haszprunar.
- **Operator:** Bavaria (Bayern).
- **Website:** https://zsm.snsb.de/

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary focus of the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology?
A: The institution is a research institute dedicated to zoological systematics. It serves as a scientific collection for the study and classification of animals.

### Q: Where is the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology located?
A: It is located in Munich, Germany, specifically in the Obermenzing area at Münchhausenstr. 21.

### Q: Who founded the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology?
A: The institution was founded by Johann Baptist von Spix, with an inception date cited as 1807.

## Why It Matters
The Bavarian State Collection of Zoology serves as a critical infrastructure for zoological research and systematics in Germany. As a member of the Bavarian Natural History Collections (SNSB), it preserves a vast array of scientific specimens, facilitating taxonomic research and biodiversity studies. Its status as an independent research institute under the operatorship of the State of Bavaria allows it to maintain extensive collections, such as those previously held by the former Museum Witt. By providing resources for identification and classification, the ZSM plays an essential role in the documentation of global fauna and supports the scientific community through its repositories and databases.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized research institution for zoological systematics.
- Its extensive scientific collection, which includes assets from the former Museum Witt.
- Operating as a key component of the Bavarian Natural History Collections (SNSB).
- Historical significance dating back to its founding by Johann Baptist von Spix in the early 19th century (1807).
- Maintaining multiple global identifiers (e.g., ROR, GRID, VIAF) that underscore its status in the global academic network.

## Body

### Organizational Structure and Affiliations
The Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (ZSM) is classified as a research institute and a scientific collection. It is a member of the **Bavarian Natural History Collections** (SNSB), a broader network of research facilities. The institution is owned and operated by the Free State of Bavaria (Bayern).

### History and Leadership
The institution's inception is recorded as **1807**, attributed to the founding efforts of **Johann Baptist von Spix**. Alternative historical references trace elements of the collection to 1759. In its modern capacity, the institute is managed by Director **Gerhard Haszprunar**. The ZSM also encompasses the collections of the **Museum Witt**, a former museum in Germany established in 1980.

### Location and Facilities
The ZSM is situated in **Munich, Germany**. Its specific physical address is **Münchhausenstr. 21**, located in the district of **Obermenzing** (specifically Pasing-Obermenzing). The geographic coordinates are 48.164666666667 latitude and 11.482166666667 longitude.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
The institution maintains a significant digital and academic footprint through various identifiers:
- **ROR ID:** 04rekk491
- **GRID ID:** grid.452282.b
- **ISNI:** 0000000110133702
- **VIAF ID:** 141313393
- **GND ID:** 39317-4
- **Biodiversity Repository ID:** ZSM
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n84124245

Its official web presence is hosted at `https://zsm.snsb.de/`, with content available in both German and English.

## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. ROR release v1.19
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. GRID Release 2015-12-14
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File