Sample by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
What is a biological specimen (taxidermy)?
A taxidermy is a sample of animals treated to preserve all or some characteristics of the animals when alive, accompanied by labels of information. The label contains the name of the species, collection site/date, habitat characteristics, collector, and other things.
Sample by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
There is a special specimen called Reference Sample. Reference Sample is the specimen used as evidence when the organism is found and named for the first time which is very important in biological research.
Hydropotes inermis by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
Specimens are usually made from organisms that have died from accidental or natural causes. It plays an important role as a resource for exhibitions, education, research. It can be permanently stored and used, so it is an important legacy to pass down to future generations.
Sample by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
NNIBR and biological specimens
NNIBR is specialized in producing biological specimens and using them for exhibition, education, and research. NNIBR has about 16,000 exhibited specimens, some of which are made by skilled taxidermists of NNIBR.
Panthera leo leo by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
Almost 6,000 specimens are in exhibition in NNIBR including Korea's freshwater creatures and representative animals of each continent. These include a very rare specimen of the Heteralocha acutirostris, Panthera leo leo, which are extinct.
Bone sample by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
The type of specimens varies according to the characteristics of the animals and the purpose of research. NNIBR collects and exhibits various types of specimens such as dry, immersion, and skeletal specimens.
Various specimens exhibited or stored in the NNIBR
Lutra lutra by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
Taxidermy specimen
Among the specimens exhibited at the NNIBR, the type that occupies the largest number is taxidermies mainly of mammals and birds.
Odobenus rosmarus by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
Making Taxidermies of Mammal
When making taxidermies of mammals, hides of the animals are only used except tissues and organs. The bones (toes, skulls, etc.) can be used in special cases. The production method and period vary depending on the size and the condition of the animals concerned.
1. Research and sketch
Collect information on the biological and ecological characteristics of the animals concerned. Especially, the physical characteristics of the animal should be closely observed
2. Making Body Structure
After determining the pose of the animal, a body structure is made of urethane. The size of the torso, the leg, the head is decided to life scale.
3. Details
The physical features of the animal, such as the three-dimensionality of muscles, the wrinkles of the body are expressed in detail in the same way as when they were alive. For areas that require three-dimensional expression, clay is used to bring out the details.
4. Fitting and Suture
The chemically-treated hide is temporarily fixed to the prepared structure. Before suturing, a final check about the length of the legs and the body circumference is needed. The Suture should be in the interval of 5 to 10mm between each stitch, from the head to the abdomen.
5. Drying and cosmetic touch-up
The moisture in the hide dries for an average of 10 days for small animals and 30 days for large ones. If moisture evaporates too quickly, the hide may deform or crack, so it is important to keep the temperature and humidity constant.
Anas poecilorhyncha by Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological ResourcesNakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
Making stuffed bird specimens
Bird specimens are crafted using hides, feathers and some skeletons. After removing the skin and tissues except for some bones (muscles, organs, etc.), the body is covered with leather, sutured, and feathers are arranged to finish.
Time-lapse video of making stuffed specimens (Anas poecilorhyncha)Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources
Taxidermied Bird (Anas poecilorhyncha)
