[Nhcoll-l] Mouldy mammal specimens

[Simon Moore]

Hi Jessica,

You will probably get many suggestions to use an application of ethanol or other lower homologous alcohols.  This type of treatment I have found to be very effective and the alcohol can be applied either with a cotton bud (may leave fibres) or using an artist’s fine paint brush.  With bats’ wings, inspect them after a short period to see if the membrane has been dehydrated by the treatment; if so, then a light dressing of Bollman Ultra-soft (If still available) is useful or a dilute (10%) solution of Optimalin oil in water (it forms a permanent emulsion in solution).

With all good wishes, Simon

Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian.

www.natural-history-conservation.com


> On 3 Jul 2024, at 18:55, Jessica E. Light <jessica.light at ag.tamu.edu> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
> Anyone have any advice for the best treatment for mold on preserved skins (small mammals, primarily bats, mostly on exposed wing and tail membranes and ear/face tissue) and skeletal elements (mainly skulls)? I'm looking for advice for treating the specimens themselves as well as the cases in which the specimens are stored.
> Thank you in advance for your help!
> Jessica
> -- 
> Dr. Jessica E. Light (she/her/hers)
> Professor and Curator of Mammals
> Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology
> Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections
> Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
> https://lightjessica.weebly.com
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