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V.G. Heptner was one of outstanding Soviet zoologists,
head of Moscow school of mammalogy after Ognev's death. He graduated
from Natural History Department of Moscow University in 1923 and
was kept at its zoological division. Appointed curator of vertebrate
collections in 1927 and chief of Mammal division of the Museum in
1932. Remained at this position by 1950 and then moved to the Department
of Vertebrate Zoology still remaining scientific patron of the Museum
mammalogy.
His research interests were in taxonomy and fauna
of mammals of the USSR, as well as in nature protection. He participated
in many expeditions to Caucasus and Middle Asia. Read course on
zoogeography and published fundamental textbook on that subject.
Continued Ognev's serial on mammals, issued 4 books on larger mammals.
Contributed much to introducing ideas of "The New Systematics" to
Soviet zoologists by promoting and editing several books of its
leader, E. Mayr.
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