Mammal Societies and Global Research Networks
The study of mammals, known as mammalogy, is a global scientific endeavor supported by a vast network of professional organizations. These societies facilitate the exchange of research, coordinate conservation efforts, and publish critical peer-reviewed data. A central hub for this community is the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM), which maintains strong international ties; by 2017, the ASM reported 865 non-US members representing 88 different countries.
From regional associations in South America to expansive foundations in Europe and Asia, these organizations ensure that the biological and ecological nuances of mammalian species are documented and preserved.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Global Reach: Mammalogical societies exist across nearly every continent, with significant clusters in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
- Academic Output: Most societies maintain official journals to publish specialized research, such as Mammalian Biology in Germany and Hystrix in Italy.
- Collaborative Networks: Many regional groups, such as those in Ecuador, are affiliated with larger bodies like the International Federation of Mammalogists (IFM).
- Diverse Focus: While some societies focus on general mammalogy, others specialize in specific areas like primatology or wildlife biology.
Mammalogical Organizations by Region
The Americas
Latin America possesses a robust network of societies often collaborating through shared publications. In Argentina, the Sociedad Argentina para el Estudio de los Mamíferos (SAREM) publishes Mastozoología Neotropical, a journal also co-edited by Brazil's Sociedade Brasileira de Mastozoologia (SMBz). Brazil also produces the Brazilian Journal of Mammalogy (BJM).
Other notable organizations include:
- Bolivia: Red Boliviana de Mastozoología (RBM), which utilizes digital platforms and various international journals for publication.
- Colombia: Sociedad Colombiana de Mastozoología (SCMas), publishing Mammalogy Notes.
- Ecuador: Mamíferos del Ecuador, affiliated with the Latin American Network of Mammalogy (RELAM) and the IFM, publishing Mammalia aequatorialis.
- Mexico: Asociación Mexicana de Mastozoología (AMMAC), which publishes Therya and its associated notes.
- Peru: Home to both the Asociación de Mastozoólogos del Perú (AMP) and the Sociedad Peruana de Mastozoología (SPM).
- Venezuela: Asociación Venezolana para el Estudio de los Mamíferos (AsoVEM).
- Central America: Includes the Grupo de Trabajo de Mastozoología de El Salvador (GTMES), the Asociación Guatemalteca de Mastozoología, and the Sociedad Mastozoológica de Panamá (SOMASPA).
Europe and the United Kingdom
European mammalogy is characterized by high levels of cross-border cooperation. The Societas Europaea Mammalogica (SEM), based in the Netherlands, serves as a primary foundation. A significant event in this network is the IX European Congress of Mammalogy (ECM9), scheduled for March 31 to April 4, 2025, in Patras, Greece.
National societies provide targeted research and conservation:
- France: The SFEPM coordinates the National Mammal Observatory (ONM) and publishes Arvicola.
- Germany: The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde publishes Mammalian Biology.
- Italy: The Associazione Teriologica Italiana (ATIt) publishes Hystrix.
- Spain: The SECEM publishes Galemys. Spain and Portugal share the Pyrenees-Monte Perdido World Heritage Site, a region of immense faunal diversity.
- Portugal: While lacking a single dedicated mammal society, research is driven by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Etologia (SPE) and various initiatives like LIFE LUPI LYNX.
- Switzerland: The Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Wildtierbiologie (SGW) publishes CH-WILDiNFO.
- United Kingdom: The Mammal Society publishes Mammal Review.
Asia
In Asia, mammalogy is often integrated into larger zoological frameworks. The Mammalogical Society of China (MSC) operates as an NGO under the Zoological Society of China and is hosted by the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The MSC also birthed the China Primatological Society and works with the China Biodiversity Observation Network (China BON). Its official publication is Acta Theriologica Sinica.
In Japan, the Mammalogical Society of Japan (MSJ)—a merger of two earlier groups founded in 1949 and 1955—publishes Mammal Study (English) and Honyurui Kagaku (Japanese).
Summary of Global Mammalogical Societies
| Country/Region | Society Name | Official Publication(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | SAREM | Mastozoología Neotropical |
| Australia | Australian Mammal Society | Australian Mammalogy |
| Brazil | SMBz | Brazilian Journal of Mammalogy |
| China | MSC | Acta Theriologica Sinica |
| Germany | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde | Mammalian Biology |
| Japan | MSJ | Mammal Study / Honyurui Kagaku |
| Mexico | AMMAC | Therya |
| Russia | Russian Theriological Society | Russian Journal of Theriology |
| UK | The Mammal Society | Mammal Review |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the ASM in international mammalogy?
The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) acts as a global connector, with hundreds of non-US members from dozens of countries who associate with the society or publish their research in its journals.
How do societies in South America collaborate on publications?
Collaboration is common; for example, the Argentine Society (SAREM) and the Brazilian Society (SMBz) co-edit the journal Mastozoología Neotropical.
What is theriology?
Theriology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of mammals. This is reflected in the names of several organizations, such as the Russian Theriological Society and the Associazione Teriologica Italiana.
Are there specialized mammal societies in China?
Yes, the China Primatological Society was formed from a specialist group within the Mammalogical Society of China (MSC) to focus specifically on primates.
How is mammal research handled in Portugal?
Portugal does not have a single dedicated mammalogical society but instead utilizes a network of ethology societies, primatological associations, and university-led projects, such as the Red List of Vertebrates at the University of Lisbon.