Atatürk University Museum of Biodiversity Sciences (ABBM)

Atatürk University Biodiversity Science Museum (ABBM) operates under the umbrella of Atatürk University as the first biodiversity science museum established within a university in Türkiye ^【1】. The museum has been structured to study, conserve, and scientifically exhibit the biodiversity of Eastern Anatolia. It integrates collection preservation, research, and public display functions across the fields of paleontology, entomology, zoology, botany, taxonomy, and biosystematics. The institution is managed under the umbrella of the Atatürk University Biodiversity Application and Research Center.

ABBM was established on 12 December 2025 through a collaboration between the Rectorate of Atatürk University and the Directorate of the Biodiversity Application and Research Center^【2】. The establishment process was supported by academic staff from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. A primary objective in establishing the museum was to protect and research the biological diversity of Eastern Anatolia.

At the time of its founding, zoological, botanical, and paleontological materials accumulated over more than 60 years within Atatürk University were systematically classified and preserved. The physical structure and exhibition layout of the museum were designed to simultaneously serve scientific research and public display functions.

The museum operates across approximately 5,000 square meters of indoor space and has been designated as a specialized museum by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The facility includes laboratories and collection storage areas for researchers, as well as thematic exhibition spaces and educational halls for visitors. ABBM stands as a model for university-based biodiversity museums in Türkiye. Since its establishment, the museum has continued its activities to support academic research in entomology, botany, paleontology, and zoology, and to raise public awareness about biodiversity.

Exhibition areas are organized around taxonomic and ecological themes. The overall exhibition design presents biodiversity through systematic classification. The main exhibition sections are as follows.

• Paleobiodiversity Exhibition
• Insect Biodiversity Exhibition

^{Insect Biodiversity Exhibition} (ABBM)

• Plant Biodiversity Exhibition

^{Plant Biodiversity Exhibition} (ABBM)

• Mammal Biodiversity Exhibition
• Bird Biodiversity Exhibition

^{Bird Biodiversity Exhibition} (ABBM)

• Reptile Biodiversity Exhibition
• Aquatic Life Exhibition

This section displays fossil specimens dating back millions of years^【3】. The exhibited materials include:

• Vertebrate fossils
• Marine organism remains
• Large mammal fossils
• Dinosaur and mammoth models

The fossils are presented alongside stratigraphic and chronological information panels and serve as reference material for paleobiological research^【4】.

The ABBM collections comprise approximately 250,000 biological specimens and 10,000 taxa ^【5】.

The animal collections constitute the largest section of the museum.

• Approximately 150,000 specimens
• Over 4,500 insect species^【6】
• Major orders: Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera
• Specimens are stored in the entomology collection unit, labeled and pinned.

• Approximately 1,500 preserved bird specimens
• Including osteological materials
• Representing regional fauna.

• Preserved small and medium-sized mammals
• Skull and skeletal materials
• Approximately 800 mammal specimens.

• Amphibians, reptiles, and freshwater fish
• Over 3,000 specimens preserved in alcohol.

• Pressed and dried plant specimens
• Herbarium material: approximately 5,000 plant specimens
• Species identification labels and locality data.

• Reference specimens of scientifically described species
• Stored under special preservation conditions.

Collection materials have been digitized. Each specimen is recorded with its taxon name, collection number, collection date, geographic coordinates, and habitat information.

Research conducted at ABBM includes the following^【7】.

• Taxonomic identification and species description
• Molecular systematics and genetic analyses
• Biogeography and ecological field studies
• National and international scientific collaborations

The laboratory infrastructure is suited for entomological, botanical, and molecular analytical studies.

ABBM carries out educational and public awareness functions:

• Guided student visits
• Seminars on taxonomy, biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation
• Interactive learning areas.

• Area of 7,000 square meters
• 100 different plant species, approximately 1,000 living plant specimens
• Outdoor botanical observations and educational activities.

• Weekdays: 08:30–16:30
• Weekends: closed
• Visits are organized through an appointment system
• Located within the university campus
• Accessible facilities and guided tours are available.