Are photo specimens a replacement for fluid-preserved specimens?
No. However, we believe photo specimens are a good compromise for two reasons. First, a scientific collecting permit is required to collect animals for museum preservation. Many biologists, educators, conservation workers, and enthusiasts who wouldn’t normally apply for or receive a permit can still contribute photo specimens. Second, fluid-preserved specimens simply aren’t needed to verify and document a locality occurrence. Some species or populations considered rare or endangered cannot sustain permanent specimen removal. Even common species are not worth sacrificing solely for the purpose of putting another dot on a map.
