The Italian Zoological Union (UZI) was founded on April 22, 1900 and is one of the oldest Italian scientific societies. Its aims are to promote studies in the various zoological disciplines, and in particular those relating to the Italian wildlife, to facilitate exchanges among zoologists and to defend zoology in research and teaching. Currently, the UZI has about 700 members, including scientists from universities and other institutions, teachers, students and enthusiasts. In 1930 it began publishing its official journal, the Bulletin of Zoology, which in 1996 changed its name in Italian Journal of Zoology. Since 1987, UZI began publication of two series of volumes under the name of UZI Collection: one of these, named 'Problems of Biology and Natural History', has already reached the second issue and the other, 'Selected Symposia and Monographs ', the eighth. UZI publication also includes 'Volumes of Italian Fauna', in cooperation with the Italian Entomological Society and the 'Check List of Italian Fauna', in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.

UZI joins the Italian Federation of Biological Society.

UZI representatives, as experts in zoology, biogeography and fauna, are present in various ministerial committees, regional and provincial administrations for everything related to the problems of applied biology.