The zoological debates of the Guatemalan naturalist Juan José Rodríguez Luna in Anales del Museo Nacional of El Salvador, 1904-1911

Abstract

Juan José Rodríguez Luna was one of the main naturalists in Guatemala, although historical studies on his scientific work are lacking. The objective of the article is to examine the zoological practices and themes developed by Rodríguez Luna through the writings published in Anales del Museo Nacional de El Salvador between 1904 and 1911. The analysis is based on 12 journal articles. The methodology problematizes the academic press what includes natural history as an active process in the production of scientific knowledge, with emphasis on its communication between specialists. The themes addressed by the author in relation to the fauna of Guatemala are: naturalistic practices (collecting excursions, cabinet practice and zoological exhibition) and zoological themes (behavior of some animals, taxonomy and usefulness of the species).