Information from dead animals and their curation

Citation

Rabinowitz A, Hart J & White L (2000) Information from dead animals and their curation. In: White L & Edwards A (eds.) Conservation research in the African rain forests: a technical handbook. New York, NY, USA: Wildlife Conservation Society, pp. 185-195. http://bioko.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/whiteedwards2000.pdf

Abstract
First paragraph: The tropical rain forests of Africa are teeming with many rare and poorly known animals. Anyone who spends time in a forest will encounter dead animals, such as those killed by disease, vehicles, predators or poachers. Meat decays rapidly in hot humid conditions, but, while often unsavoury, dead animals represent an important source of information that can be collected at little cost. Whenever dead animals are found, or live animals confiscated, as much information should be taken from them as possible. This information includes measurements, weights, age, sex, and general condition. Once measurements have been taken on a dead animal, the whole animal, or a part such as the skull, once preserved, can be incorporated into a reference collection. If this reference collection is well maintained it will contribute significantly to what is known about animals found in your area, and will represent the beginning of a small field museum.