Reptile Ecology and Conservation
Reptile Ecology and Conservation

Author: C. Kenneth Dodd Jr.

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016-05-05

Total Pages: 426

ISBN-13: 0191039071

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This practical handbook of reptile field ecology and conservation brings together a distinguished, international group of reptile researchers to provide a state-of-the-art review of the many new and exciting techniques used to study reptiles. The authors describe ecological sampling techniques and how they are implemented to monitor the conservation status and population trends of snakes, lizards, tuatara, turtles, and crocodilians throughout the world. Emphasis is placed on the extent of statistical inference and the biases associated with different techniques and analyses. The chapters focus on the application of field research and data analysis for achieving an understanding of reptile life history, population dynamics, movement patterns, thermal ecology, conservation status, and the relationship between reptiles and their environment. The book emphasises the need for thorough planning, and demonstrates how a multi-dimensional approach incorporates information related to morphology, genetics, molecular biology, epidemiology, statistical modelling, animal welfare, and biosecurity. Although accentuating field sampling, sections on experimental applications in laboratories and zoos, thermal ecology, genetics, landscape ecology, disease and biosecurity, and management options are included. Much of this information is scattered in the scientific literature or not readily available, and the intention is to provide an affordable, comprehensive synthesis for use by graduate students, researchers, and practising conservationists worldwide.

Fluid Preservation
Fluid Preservation

Author: John E. Simmons

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2014-05-15

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 1442229667

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Fluid preservation refers to specimens and objects that are preserved in fluids, most commonly alcohol and formaldehyde, but also glycerin, mineral oil, acids, glycols, and a host of other chemicals that protect the specimen from deterioration. Some of the oldest natural history specimens in the world are preserved in fluid. Despite the fact that fluid preservation has been practiced for more than 350 years, this is the only handbook that summarize all that is known about this complex and often confusing topic. Fluid Preservation: A Comprehensive Reference covers the history and techniques of fluid preservation and how to care for fluid preserved specimens in collections. More than 900 references on fluid preservation were reviewed for this project. An historical survey of preservative recipes provides for guidance for museums with older collections (many fluid preservatives contain hazardous chemicals). Current standards and best practices for collection care and management are presented. Current and controversial topics (e.g., the preservation of DNA, alternatives to alcohol and formaldehyde) are discussed and fully referenced. Health and safety issues involved with caring for fluid preserved collections are discussed. The final chapter addresses fluid preserved specimens as cultural products and their use in art, literature, film, and song. Although most fluid-preserved specimens are found in natural history and medical museums, it is not at all uncommon to find them in art museums, history museums, and science centers. In addition to animals, plants, and anatomical specimens, fluid preserved collections include some minerals and fossils and many other objects. Fluid Preservation is an essential reference for: Natural history curators Natural history collections managers Conservators Medical and anatomical museum collections managers and curators Art and history museum staff who have fluid preserved specimens and objects in their care (e.g., works by Damien Hirst) Private collectors Researchers using museum collections as sources of DNA, isotopes, etc. Health and safety professionals Exhibit planners and designers Museum facilities planners and managers People interested in the history of science People interested in the history of natural history museums Museum studies students