[Nhcoll-l] Collections move and storing of full body and shoulder mounts of mammals

[Amanda Bremner]

Hi all,
The New Brunswick Museum (Canada) is embarking on a major building expansion that entails moving all collection to temporary off-site quarters for several years. The NBM Natural History Department houses a sizable collection (>400) of full body and shoulder mounts of mammals.  It has been suggested that these all be wrapped and taped in plastic sheeting as a pest control measure.  However, there is  concern that wrapping will damage ears, vibrissae, some tails, and habitat elements added to some mounts (grasses in particular).  Furthermore, sealing mounts in plastic will make it nearly impossible to undertake routine checks for pests (we have not had any significant issues with these in the past).  We would be interested in knowing how others are storing taxidermied mounts long-term and whether there are any opinions on wrapping mounts. Curatorial preference is to freeze each mount prior to movement, store on enclosed shelving unwrapped, and then monitor regularly for pests.

Thanks,
Amanda

Amanda Bremner M.Sc.
Coordinator, Natural History Loans & Databases; Curatorial & Research Technician Botany & Mycology Section
/ Coordinateur, prêts et bases de données d'histoire naturelle; Technicienne de conservation et recherché botanique et mycology
Department of Natural History / Département d'histoire naturelle
New Brunswick Museum / Musée du Nouveau-Brunswick
277 Douglas Avenue / 277, avenue Douglas
Saint John, New Brunswick / Saint John, Nouveau-Brunswick
Canada E2K 1E5
Tel: 506-566-1545
Amanda.Bremner at nbm-mnb.ca<mailto:Amanda.Bremner at nbm-mnb.ca>

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