Conservation
Conservation is one of the core missions of museums. Today we recognise the far-reaching impact that humans have had on planet Earth. And conservation has long since become a priority for the survival of all living things.
Natural History and Science Museums
Natural history and science museums are custodians of the past and the present. They ensure that material evidence, knowledge and memories are not lost and can be preserved. And so that we can address current challenges and ensure a sustainable future.
Bird ringing for conservation
The creation of the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve and the scientific bird ringing carried out there illustrate the urgency of conserving endangered species and collecting information on their habits and migratory routes.
Bird ringing
Instruments used for scientific bird ringing and notebook of Prof. Santos Júnior, one of the pioneers of bird ringing in Portugal.
Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) specimen (1886)Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
To conserve is to keep
Natural history museums treasure global species, often from other countries.
The specimen of Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), seen here, is an example of the global diversity preserved at the MHNC-UP.
Eggs and more eggs
Natural history museums preserve specimens to monitor global change.
Analyses of raptor eggs collected over more than 100 years have revealed the harmful effects of pesticides, which reduce the thickness of the shell, threatening the birds' survival.
Extinct, threatened or locally extinct species
Museums are vital to conservation. By preserving specimens of extinct or endangered species, museums act as historical repositories, raise awareness of environmental issues and promote scientific research, all of which contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
Fossil gastropod, "Cerithium giganteum" by Colectors: KrantzNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Cerithium giganteum is a marine species that existed in past geological eras. The preservation of these fossils is essential for studies on the evolution of marine life over time.
In North America, the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) has been driven to extinction by hunting. The conservation of these specimens is essential for studies of the impact of hunting.
Specimen of the giant-cabo-verde-lizard (Chioninia coctei) (1874) by Colector: Francisco HopferNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
The giant green-tailed lizard (Chioninia coctei) was driven to extinction by the introduction of cats to Cape Verde, combined with extreme drought and the capture of these animals for human consumption.
The common sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is locally extinct in Portugal due to the lack of migratory routes unobstructed by dams, making it impossible for these animals, which depend on unobstructed rivers to reproduce, to do so.
The giant sable antelope (Hippotragus niger variani) is endemic to Angola and is listed as 'critically endangered' by the IUCN. The conservation of this subspecies is crucial for the maintenance of biodiversity in Angola.
Taxidermised specimen of Iberian wolf "Canis lupus signatus" by MHNC-UPNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Iberian Wolf
The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is classified as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN in Portugal. Its conservation status is a strategic safeguard to protect this important link in the food chain.
Conserve to infinity
Monotropus lusitanicus Baraud, 1976, a species endemic to the Serra da Estrela.
The study and conservation of insect specimens is essential for understanding the immensity of local biodiversity and for preserving a region's natural heritage.
Conservation: preservation techniques
Spirit collections:
In this technique, typical of natural history collections, formalin is first used to fix the tissues. The specimens are then preserved in an ethanol solution. To preserve the DNA, some tissues are removed beforehand and frozen separately.
Conservation: preservation techniques
Taxidermy:
This technique involves the preparation, mounting and conservation of animal skins for scientific and educational exhibitions, ensuring anatomically realistic and three-dimensional depictions of the animals.
University of Porto Herbarium specimen of "Iris boissieri Henr." (1998) by Colectors: F. Barreto Caldas & João José HonradoNatural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto
Conservation: preservation techniques
Herbarisation:
This technique involves the collection, pressing, dehydration and two-dimensional mounting of the most distinctive organs of a plant or fungus to create herbaria for the study and documentation of a region's flora.
Keeping traditions
Museums are also essential for preserving our traditions and making them accessible to future generations. They keep our cultural heritage alive and relevant.
Interested in Natural history?
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