The assembly, functioning, and importance of the ‘Didactic and Scientific Vertebrate Collection’ at the Universidad Nacional de Luján: challenges and future perspectives

Abstract Natural History Collections represent fundamental archives that preserve vital information about Earth’s history. They serve as foundational infrastructure for both basic and applied scientific research, providing the basis for significant advances in biological thought, from evolution to conservation. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the recognition of their importance. In 2020, the ‘Didactic and Scientific Vertebrate Collection’ (Colección Didáctica y Científica de Vertebrados) was officially established at the Universidad Nacional de Luján (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina). The creation, operation, and significance of this Collection lie in the unique specimens it houses, which are invaluable resources for educational purposes, scientific research, and inter-institutional collaboration. The collection includes both extant and fossil vertebrate specimens, the latter covering various geological periods and taxonomic groups, making it an indispensable resource for palaeontological research. It is a growing collection due to ongoing donations from institution members, external contributors, and the public. This contribution provides an overview of the institutional details related to this collection, describes its size, taxonomic and geographical scope, preservation techniques for both living and fossil specimens, and the methods and levels of digitization employed. Additionally, it discusses challenges faced (e.g. funding limitations) and outlines future perspectives.