Alfredo Dugès

Dug%C3%A8s Alfredo 1826-1910

Alfredo Dugès (April 16, 1826 – January 7, 1910) was a French-born Mexican naturalist and physician. He is best known for his contributions to herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles. Dugès was a prolific researcher and published numerous works on the fauna of Mexico.

Early Life and Education

Alfredo Dugès was born in Montbéliard, France. He was the son of Antoine Louis Dugès, a prominent physician and naturalist. Alfredo Dugès followed in his father's footsteps, studying medicine and natural sciences. He earned his medical degree from the University of Paris.

Career in Mexico

In 1852, Dugès moved to Guanajuato, Mexico, where he became a professor of anatomy and physiology at the University of Guanajuato. He also served as the director of the university's natural history museum. Dugès' work in Mexico significantly advanced the understanding of the country's biodiversity.

Contributions to Herpetology

Dugès described numerous new species of amphibians and reptiles. His extensive fieldwork and detailed descriptions have been invaluable to the field of herpetology. Some species named in his honor include Dugesia, a genus of flatworms, and Dugesiana, a genus of lizards.

Legacy

Alfredo Dugès is remembered as one of the foremost naturalists of his time. His contributions to the study of Mexican fauna have had a lasting impact on the field of natural sciences. The Alfredo Dugès Museum of Natural History at the University of Guanajuato is named in his honor.

Related Pages

• Herpetology
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• University of Guanajuato
• Natural history museum