Museu de Biologia Professor Mello Leitão, Research museum in Santa Teresa, Brazil.
Museu de Biologia Professor Mello Leitao is a research museum in Santa Teresa dedicated to Atlantic Forest biodiversity, featuring multiple exhibition buildings set within protected grounds. The site includes natural walking trails, streams, and varied plant life that showcase the region's biological diversity.
The museum was founded in 1949 by Augusto Ruschi on his family property, which his father Jose Ruschi had acquired in 1911. It grew from one naturalist's commitment to documenting and protecting Atlantic Forest life.
The museum serves as a center for understanding Atlantic Forest research and conservation, showing visitors how scientists work to document and protect this unique rainforest region. The collections and displays reflect the importance of the forest to local scientific communities and environmental awareness in Brazil.
The museum spreads across a large area, so wear appropriate footwear for walking the various trails on the grounds. Check opening hours in advance or contact the museum directly before planning your visit.
The collection holds approximately 1700 hummingbird specimens, making it one of the world's most important repositories for studying these birds. This specialized focus has made it a destination for researchers from around the globe interested in hummingbird behavior and diversity.
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