Preparation of an Indian Grey Mongoose (Urva edwardsii) as a Museum Specimen Using the Taxidermy Technique
S. A. Gaikwad
Department of Anatomy, Mumbai Veterinary College, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Munmun Sarma
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Anil Deka *
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Abhijit Deka
Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
J. Shyam
Department of Extension Education, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
J. Kachari
Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex (Surgery), College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
S. Payeng
Department of Extension Education, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Arup Das
Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Taxidermy provides a means of preserving the external appearance of animal specimens for museum display, anatomical teaching and wildlife education. This descriptive report documents the preparation of a single Indian grey mongoose (Urva edwardsii) that died following a road accident on the campus of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. The carcass was received by the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology for preparation as an educational specimen. A mid-ventral incision was used to separate the skin, with particular care taken around the head and limbs. Body dimensions were recorded to guide the construction of an artificial form. The procedure included cleaning the skin, immersing it for three days in a solution containing two litres of water, 75 g of salt and 50 g of alum, and shade-drying it. The original preparation also recorded the application of arsenical soap. The treated skin was positioned over a supporting form made from foam and wood wool, stitched, and arranged using wire supports. Artificial eyes and a display base completed the mount. The finished specimen retained a recognisable external body outline and provided a three-dimensional teaching resource. However, neither long-term preservation performance nor educational outcomes were measured. The use of protected wildlife and hazardous preservatives requires appropriate legal authorisation and chemical-safety controls.
Keywords: Indian grey mongoose, taxidermy, museum specimen, wildlife education