Herpetology Collection Curation
Contents
Statement of Purpose
These links and documents contain information about best practices for Herpetology collection curation.
Introduction
Contributors
Content generated during The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) Annual Joint Meeting - 2016, during an iDigBio sponsored workshop by the following individuals participating in the "Curation" working group of the aforementioned workshop:
- Sarah Huber - Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Ichthyology Collection Manager
- Justin Mann - Tulane University Biodiversity Research Institute, Ichthyology Collection Manager
- Katherine Pearson-Maslenikov - Burke Museum of Natural History, Ichthyology Collections Manager
- Susan Mochel - The Field Museum of Natural History, Assistant Collections Manager - Fishes
- Rob Robins - The Florida Museum of Natural History, Ichthyology Collection Manager
- Gregory Watkins-Colwell - Yale Peabody Museum, Herpetology/Ichthyology Collection Manager
- Kevin Swagel - The Field Museum of Natural History, Assistant Collections Manager - Fishes
- H.J. Walker - Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ichthyology Collection Manager (Retired)
Source Material
Restoration/renovation
Rehydration
Several methods discussed in Simmons book Herpetological Collecting and Collections Management: https://www.amazon.com/Herpetological-Collecting-Collections-Management-Simmons/dp/0916984605
Deaccessioning
Labels and systems for printing
- Pre-printed labels with blanks for required information are best so collectors in the field know what is expected. Can be on ‘rite in the rain’ paper, linen resistal paper, other paper that does not degrade in ethanol, isopropanol, or formalin solutions. Use pencil or indelible ink. No sharpies! See field collecting subcommittee for data fields.
- Archival (long term): thermal impact printer labels (Datamax printers, polyester labeling media, special SDR ribbon for alcohol solutions). Alpha Systems is one vendor.
Identification and sorting of collected material
Keep accession and field numbers with specimens
Accessioning
Required paperwork: permits, international declarations (e.g. USFWS form 3-177) if appropriate, copies of field notes, collections notes; documentation demonstrating legal acquisition and ownership of specimens (Deed of Gift form), any copyright transfers that may relate to photographs, etc.
Cataloging
Matching subsamples with whole specimen in lots with >1 individual: Give sub-sampled individuals a unique catalog number (lot is now n=1) and cross-reference old catalog number and new catalog number. Alternatively, tag individual with its own identifier, such as catalog number XXXXX 1 of 6. Tag tissue and individuals with same identifier and ensure that tags stay with individuals: place or tie tag in gills, mouth, body cavity, or wrap individually in cheese cloth.
Georeferencing (see Digitization)
Collection organization
- Taxonomic: By family, then alphabetical by genus and species
Recommendation: Most recent edition of taxonomic hierarchy published
Examples of institutional organisation by taxonomic authority:
| Institution | Taxonomic Authority |
|---|---|
| ANSP | |
| The Burke Museum | |
| The Field Museum | |
| The Florida Museum | |
| Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology | |
| Smithsonian |
- Alphabetical: By genus and species
- Geographic
- Temporal (e.g., by collecting event)
- Catalog number
Storage in collection (containers)
Sensitive and rare specimen handling/preserving
- Types:
- Mark jars (with ribbon around neck or write on lids).
- Store separately (under lock and key).
- Other special specimens: Use ribbons, wires, etc. around jars to indicate.
Clear glass, screw-top jars
Type of glass: Borosilicate (preferred, but expensive). Flint glass is readily available and a very good option. The ideal lid for these jars is polypropylene with an F217 tri-seal foam liner, a knurled (ribbed) edge, and a buff (rough) top.
Potential vendors:
- Kols/Oberk,
- Duval
- William R. Hill, Co. (www.wmrhill.com)
- General Bottle (www.bottlesetc.com)
- Continental Glass
- Wheaton
- Fisher
- VWR
Standard Sizes (check with fire marshal for allowable sizes)
| Size | Type | Necks | Vendor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-gallon | wide mouth | 132-400 | Discontinued jars and lids |
| 3-gallon | wide mouth | 132-400 | Discontinued jars and lids |
| 2.5-gallon | “pickle” barrel | 120-400 | Anchor-Hocking vendor |
| 1-gallon | narrow mouth | 110-400 | |
| 1-gallon | wide mouth | 120-400 | Discontinued jars and lids |
| half gallon | tall | 83-400 | |
| half gallon | short | 110-400 | |
| 32 oz. | paragon | 89-400 | |
| 32 oz. | narrow mouth | 70-400 | Discontinued jars |
| 32 oz. | mayo | 63-400 | |
| 24 oz. | "pickle" jar | 63-400 | |
| 24 oz. | mayo | 63-400 | |
| 16 oz. | paragon | 70-400 | |
| 16 oz. | paragon | 63-400 | |
| 16 oz. | mayo | 63-400 | |
| 16 oz. | short | 89-400 | |
| 12 oz. | mayo | ||
| 8 oz. | wide mouth | 58-400 | |
| 8 oz. | wide mouth | 58-400 | |
| 8 oz. | paragon | 58-400 | |
| 8 oz. | mayo | ||
| 9 oz. | short | 70-400 | |
| 6 oz. | paragon | 53-400 | |
| 6 oz. | mayo | ||
| 4 oz. | paragon | 48-400 | |
| 4 oz. | short | 58-400 | |
| 3 oz. | mayo | ||
| 2 oz. | paragon | 38-400 | |
| 2 oz. | short | 48-400 | |
| 1 oz. | wide mouth | 43-400 |
Bold = commonly used by most large fish collections in North America.
Glass Gasket jars
- Le Parfait jars – unique sizes, wide mouth (0.5L, 1.5L, 2L, 3L). Buno white, rubber gasket.
- Bail-top jars - not recommended for new collections. If you are already using them, you need to check gaskets for cracking and replace.
Plastic Containers
(polypropylene lid with F217 tri-seal foam liner (as above for glass) PET (polyethylene terephthalate) HDPE (high density polyethylene) Vendors: University Products: 1-22 quarts
Vials Containing Whole Specimens
Stored within larger, fluid filled jars. All vials are stoppered with cotton or synthetic polyethylene stuffing (no phenolic black plastic). Vials are stored cotton end down in case of evaporation (be sure to pack cotton well, or fish will fall out!). Vial labels are a smaller version of a standard adult label. One small label has catalog number, ID, abbreviated locality (often only a field number to save space) and identifier’s name or initials. A large cover label goes into the large jar with a header that has the species name then a list of the catalog numbers and abbreviated locality.
Stainless steel tanks
Vendors:
- Delta designs
- Stainless Steel Manufacturing
- J.W. Appley
