# Specify Collections Consortium

> database that provides information of amphibians and reptiles from North America

**Wikidata**: [Q111679003](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111679003)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/specify-collections-consortium

## Summary
Specify Collections Consortium is a database that provides information about amphibians and reptiles from North America. It serves as an online portal for herpetological data with open access to researchers and the public worldwide.

## Key Facts
- Specify Collections Consortium is a biological database focused on amphibians and reptiles from North America.
- It was founded by three institutions: Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Michigan, and University of Kansas.
- The database catalogs over 41,000 items as of May 5, 2022.
- It operates as an open access web portal with unrestricted use and access.
- The consortium's main subjects include worldwide Amphibia and Reptilia.
- It functions in the field of herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles.
- The database has been copyrighted since 2022.
- It is included in the "Biosciences databases" list on Wikimedia projects.
- The consortium has both a blog and forum for user engagement.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Specify Collections Consortium?
A: Specify Collections Consortium is a database that provides information about amphibians and reptiles from North America. It serves as an online portal for herpetological data with open access to researchers and the public worldwide.

### Q: Who founded the Specify Collections Consortium?
A: The consortium was founded by three major institutions: the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Michigan, and University of Kansas. These institutions collaborated to create the comprehensive herpetological database.

### Q: How much data is cataloged in the Specify Collections Consortium?
A: As of May 5, 2022, the database contained 41,222 cataloged items related to amphibians and reptiles. This collection continues to grow as more specimens are documented and added.

### Q: Is the Specify Collections Consortium accessible to the public?
A: Yes, the database has open access status with unrestricted access and use. Anyone can access the information provided through the web portal for research or educational purposes.

## Why It Matters
Specify Collections Consortium matters because it provides a centralized, comprehensive resource for herpetological research and education. By aggregating data on amphibians and reptiles from North America, it facilitates scientific discoveries, conservation efforts, and public understanding of these important animal groups. The open access nature of the database democratizes information, allowing researchers around the world to contribute to and benefit from the collective knowledge. This resource plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of biodiversity, particularly in the context of environmental changes that threaten amphibian and reptile populations worldwide.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated database specifically for amphibian and reptile specimens from North America
- Having over 41,000 cataloged items with a focus on herpetology
- Operating with completely open access and unrestricted use policies
- Being founded by three major institutions (Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Michigan, University of Kansas)
- Being included in the "Biosciences databases" list on Wikimedia projects, indicating its recognized importance in scientific databases

## Body
### Overview
Specify Collections Consortium is a specialized biological database that provides comprehensive information about amphibians and reptiles from North America. It functions as an online web portal with open access to researchers and the public.

### Origins and Development
- Founded by the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Michigan, and University of Kansas
- Website launched in 1990
- Official website: https://www.csm.auburn.edu/specifyweb/herpvouchers/
- Has an official blog: https://www.specifysoftware.org/blog/
- Maintains an official forum: https://www.specifysoftware.org/speciforum/

### Content and Scope
- Main subject areas worldwide Amphibia and Reptilia
- Focus field: herpetology
- Contains 41,222 cataloged items as of May 5, 2022
- Data is organized within a biological database framework
- Copyrighted since 2022

### Access and Usage
- Open access status
- Unrestricted access policy
- Unrestricted use policy
- Available in English language
- Included in Wikimedia's "Biosciences databases" list

## References

1. [Source](https://www.csm.auburn.edu/specifyweb/herpvouchers/)
2. [Source](https://www.specifysoftware.org/)