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CROATIAN ENTOMOFAUNA - Looking Back from the Present and Its Future Plans
Paula DURBEŠIĆ
; Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
The development of entomological science in Croatia, through the past 250 years, can be divided into several periods. From the travel records in the late 18th century, intensive interest in insects and the creation of the first insect collections in Croatia, primarily by foreigners and later by local researchers, to the later establishment of museums and university institutions, and until today’s current scientific research in various institutes and university faculties.
In the initial period, entomology in Croatia was exclusively studied by
foreign researchers, and collected materials were stored in collections in their native countries. While systematics and entomological studies were already in full swing throughout Europe in the 19th century, they were at their beginnings in Croatia. Unfortunately, they have never reached full development. University
educated biologists of the 20th century carried out systematic and faunistic studies, and followed and kept up with the most recent achievements of the biological sciences, especially molecular biology and biochemistry. Despite the progress achieved in other sciences, faunistic studies in general and with respect to entomology have continually developed. For easier reference, we have divided the past 250 years into seven periods, determined by political and social changes in Europe, our country and in our surroundings. The works of scientists considered important for each period are described, particularly those of Croatian scientists. The remaining works
are outlined in tabular form and their pooled numbers are shown in graphical form. The fact that our museum collections and vast library materials remained preserved after the two world wars is encouraging. Unfortunately until today, the entomofauna of Croatia has only been partially studied. Some orders, such as Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera have been intensively researched, while for many others we have no knowledge at all. We are aware that we must persevere persist in this task, and intensify our efforts. We are following global efforts to protect our environment and biodiversity. Our efforts in those areas are in line with the European and global efforts. We have attempted in this paper to outline the work of many entomologists, to show their focus of study, area of study, representation (families, genera, species), assessed level of threat,
endemism, etc. to provide an overview of today’s entomology that is clear and accurate. The number of entomologists in individual institutions is given. The launching of scientific journals, scientific and professional associations and significant scientific books are mentioned. In the end, we outline our plans for the future.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
95393
URI
Datum izdavanja:
26.11.2012.
Posjeta: 2.026 *