The scientific and educational role of the Invertebrate Division at the LOUNAZ Museum of Zoology in Loja, Ecuador

The Invertebrate Division of the Museum of Zoology of the Universidad Nacional de Loja (LOUNAZ) plays a leading role for the study, conservation, and education of invertebrate diversity in southern Ecuador, a region historically underrepresented in biodiversity research. Since its establishment in 2020, the division houses a collection of over 20,000 specimens and focuses on addressing critical knowledge gaps through scientific research, community outreach, and educational programs. By involving students, researchers, and the public, the Museum promotes awareness about the essential roles of invertebrates in ecosystems, including pollination, biological control, and nutrient cycling, as well as the importance of their conservation. The division also conducts studies on species composition, bioindicators and environmental threats to invertebrate populations, contributing to conservation strategies in a region facing significant anthropogenic pressures like deforestation, human population growth, chemical and light pollution, soil degradation, among others. The LOUNAZ Invertebrate Division has quickly become a key research hub, forming national and international collaborations to strengthen its impact on biodiversity conservation and scientific advancement.