The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira's “Philosophical Voyage” to Brazil (1783–1792)

Abstract

The Philosophical Voyage conducted by Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira (1756–1815) and his team between 1783–1792 in Brazil is among the most impressive scientific expeditions of the eighteenth century. As it was a multidisciplinary naturalist expedition, Ferreira also dedicated attention to the amphibians and reptiles encountered during the trip, which were collected, illustrated, and described. These specimens, manuscripts, and illustrations were sent back to the Royal Cabinet of Ajuda, in Lisbon, to be studied and published upon the return of Ferreira. However, due to several circumstances, Ferreira never able to properly review, study, and publish on this material, which was eventually dispersed and studied and published by others. Here we review the herpetological results of Ferreira's expedition and compile all available data on the amphibians and reptiles of the Philosophical Voyage, including the original memoirs, illustrations, extant specimens, and all traces of Ferreira's collection spread among multiple natural history museums in Portugal and France. We also present a commented account of the extant herpetological specimens.