Characterization and Valuation Analysis of the Lillo Invertebrate Paleontology Collection (National University of Tucumán, Argentina)

Abstract

This contribution analyzes the current situation and the management status of the movable paleontological heritage of the National University of Tucumán (UNT-Universidad Nacional de Tucumán), Argentina. The main objective of this work is to present the Lillo Invertebrate Paleontology Collection (acronym PIL?Paleontología Invertebrados Lillo), which includesnearly 5000 specimens from different taxonomic groups and geological periods, and to evaluate the current status by posting some ideas towards a better management. In addition, ideas to improve their conservation and use conditions for scientific and educational purposes are proposed. The PIL collection holds a notable scientific interest due to the important samplesthat include holotype and paratype material that deserves appreciation by means of interest, investments (financial and human resources), management, and conservation. An almost permanent crisis status, and the precarious situation of the collection, directly affected this unique heritage of the university as becoming threatened and vulnerable by means of its actual reality.Shortcomings and failings observed in the collection are essentially the same as other natural history collections and basically originate from a lack of appreciation by competent authorities and the society, both reflected as a low investment on human and material resources.