Editorial note

Abstract

With this issue we complete the first volume of this publication, and at the same time we commemorate the first 25 years of existence of our Museum of Natural History, which was officially initiated on September 1, 1936, based on a private collection of the author that was acquired by the University, which appointed him as the first Director of the Museum and at the same time Professor of Zoology. The Museum was founded thanks to the understanding and enthusiasm of the then Rector of the University, Dr. A. J. Lemos Guzmán. Dr. Lemos Guzmán has supported it during his other two terms as Rector of the University. During its existence, the Museum has had periods of progress under the rectorship of emi-nent Rectors of the University who understood the importance of a research center of this kind, but it has also had very difficult times due to the lack of understanding in these matters by other equally illustrious Rectors, but who were not interested in the Musco. In these periods of recess, as we could call them, very valuable specimens were even lost, some of which were unique records for certain species in certain regions, in which, due to the phenomenon of the extensive and rapid deforestation of our soil, they have completely disappeared and it is impossible to obtain them again. It is to be hoped that from now on the Museum of Natural History of the University of Cauca will have better luck and that the research work carried out in it will continue uninterruptedly and with a rhythm of progress and above all the influence that these studies exert on the very important aspect of the Conservation of Natural Resources in Colombia, and especially of Flora and Fauna.