Support for Cataloging and Housing the Herpetological Tissue Collection at the Texas Memorial Museum

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

A grant has been awarded to the University of Texas at Austin under the direction of Dr. Travis LaDuc for cataloging the herpetology tissue collection of the Texas Memorial Museum. The frozen tissue collection is a valuable resource that complements the natural history specimens of the museum by providing long-term preservation of samples that can be used in genetic analysis. Records from catalogs, field notes, and other written material will be entered in a database to be made available online in searchable format. The database will allow easy retrieval of information on the source of the samples and the museum specimens from which they were derived. Frozen samples will be catalogued and given barcodes, and they will be placed in liquid nitrogen for secure storage and conservation. The online inventory will enhance conservation and educational programs for amphibians and reptiles.