Modern Conservation Research Articles

Developing Experiential Exhibitions Based on Conservation Science Content of Bronze Mirror

In museums, exhibition content focuses mostly on cultural heritage’s historical values and functions, but doing so tends to limit visitors’ interest and immersion. To counter this limitation, the study developed an experiential media art exhibition fusing bronze mirrors’ traditional production technology and modern conservation science. First, for the exhibition system, scientific cultural heritage contents were projected on the three-dimensional (3D) printed bronze mirror through interactions between motion recognition digital information display (DID) and the projector. Then, a scenario of 17 missions in four stages (production process, corrosion mechanism, scientific analysis and diagnosis, and conservation treatment and restoration) was prepared according to the temporal spectrum. Additionally, various media art effects and interaction technologies were developed, so visitors could understand and become immersed in bronze mirrors’ scientific content. A user test was evaluated through the living lab, reflecting generally high levels of satisfaction (90.2 points). Qualitative evaluation was generally positive, with comments such as “easy to understand and useful as the esoteric science exhibition was combined with media art” (16.7%), “wonderful and interesting” (11.7%), and “firsthand experience was good” (9.2%). By combining an esoteric science exhibition centered on principles and theories with visual media art and by developing an immersive directing method to provide high-level exhibition technology, the exhibition induced visitors’ active participation. This exhibition’s content can become an important platform for expanding universal museum exhibitions on archaeology, history, and art into conservation science.

From religion to conservation: unfolding 300 years of collective action in a Greek sacred forest

Sacred Natural Sites are integrated-coupled systems with mutual social and natural interactions, and they exist within a variety of local cultures and regions of the world. In Europe and especially in the Mediterranean basin, changing land use patterns and population decline since World War II have had a dramatic impact on the socio-ecological structure and management practices of many of such sites. At the same time, old beliefs and taboos are often neglected due to modernization, rural depopulation, and change in community's structure, norms, and codes. Understanding how social, ecological, and policy processes changed through time becomes thus relevant to identify the main criteria for effective collective action and sustainability of the studied systems. In this paper, we applied Ostrom's social–ecological systems framework to model the main socio-ecological processes acting upon a sacred forest in Epirus (Greece) over a 300 years' period. The multidisciplinary approach included collection of archival and ecological data and ethnographic research (semi-structured interviews). Results indicate that significant changes have occurred in social, economic, political, and institutional terms since the creation of the settlement (17th century). However, the sacred grove has been of major importance to the adjacent local community that acts as its custodian guardian even nowadays. Collective action for the preservation of the forest has been achieved under various governance regimes that transformed through time traditional religious taboos into modern conservation approaches. This analysis revealed that local traditional management practices of commons can serve as successful socio-ecological conservation examples.

Barriers and corridors of gene flow in an urbanized tropical reef system.

Information about the distribution of alleles among marine populations is critical for determining patterns of genetic connectivity that are essential in modern conservation planning. To estimate population connectivity in Singapore's urbanized equatorial reef system, we analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from two species of reef‐building corals with distinct life histories. For Porites sp., a broadcast‐spawning coral, we found cryptic lineages that were differentially distributed at inshore and central‐offshore sites that could be attributed to contemporary surface current regimes. Near panmixia was observed for Pocillopora acuta with differentiation of colonies at the farthest site from mainland Singapore, a possible consequence of the brooding nature and relatively long pelagic larval duration of the species. Furthermore, analysis of recent gene flow showed that 60–80% of colonies in each population were nonmigrants, underscoring self‐recruitment as an important demographic process in this reef system. Apart from helping to enhance the management of Singapore's coral reef ecosystems, findings here pave the way for better understanding of the evolution of marine populations in South‐East Asia.

What drives modern protected area establishment in Australia?

AbstractProtected areas are a fundamental mechanism for ensuring the persistence of biodiversity. The strategic policy objectives set by governments for protected area land acquisition are strong determinants of biodiversity outcomes. An examination of these objectives is necessary to determine those most influential in designing protected area networks and understand why Australia's extinction rates exceed those elsewhere despite actively establishing protected areas over the past several decades. To examine spatio‐temporal trends in policy objectives for protected areas, we evaluated the strategic priorities in Federal, State, and Territory policy documents across Australia between 1992 and 2019 using thematic analysis. We classified priorities into seven themes: adequacy, Indigenous and cultural values; representation of ecosystem and species types; threatened species and their habitat;socialand recreational values;uniquevalues andavoiding threatening processes. We found that the representation of ecosystem and species types was the most prevalent theme in policy documents, and the least common theme wassocialand recreational values. We posit several reasons for this trend and warn that emphasizing extent, in terms of area or representativeness, may diminish the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact for biodiversity outcomes. We found that policies were generally supportive of the strategic identification of particular species or communities that would quantifiably benefit from protection (referred to asavoided loss). Risked‐based approaches to the establishment of protected areas are supported by modern conservation literature to enhance the protected area network's effectiveness. To maximize limited resources, we recommend that governments continue encouraging urgency to avoid species and habitat loss in their strategic priorities. This urgency should be accompanied by clear and consistent funding for on‐the‐ground actions which facilitate the socio‐ecological outcomes that characterize modern protected area policy.

The two extinctions of the Carolina ParakeetConuropsis carolinensis

SummaryDue to climate change and habitat conversion, estimates of the resulting levels of species extinction over the next century are alarming. Devising conservation solutions will require many different approaches, including examining the extinction processes of recently extinct species. Given that parrots are one of the most threatened groups of birds, information regarding parrot extinction is pressing. While most recent parrot extinctions have been island endemics, the Carolina ParakeetConuropsis carolinensishad an 18th-century range covering nearly half of the present-day United States, yet mostly disappeared by the end of the 19thcentury. Despite a great deal of speculation, the major cause of its extinction remains unknown. Establishing the date when a species went extinct is one of the first steps in determining what caused their extinction. While there have been estimates of their extinction date, these analyses used a limited dataset and did not include observational data. We used a recently published, extensive dataset of Carolina Parakeet specimens and observations combined with a Bayesian extinction estimating model to determine the most likely extinction dates. By considering each of the two subspecies independently, we found that they went extinct ˜30 years apart: the western subspeciesC. c. ludovicianusgoing extinct around 1914 and the eastern subspeciesC. c. carolinensiseither in the late 1930s or mid-1940s. Had we only considered all observations together, this pattern would have been obscured, possibly missing a major clue in solving the mystery of the parakeet’s extinction. Since the Carolina Parakeet was a wide-ranging species that went extinct during a period of rapid agricultural and industrial expansion, conditions that mirror those occurring in many parts of the world where parrot diversity is highest, any progress we make in unraveling the mystery of their disappearance may be vital to modern conservation efforts.

Noah’s Ark as Conservation? An Ecological Reading of Genesis 6–9

In a world where loss of biodiversity is a major challenge, this article explores a dialogue between modern conservation theory and an ancient biblical text. Through the construction of an ecological hermeneutics based on conservation biology and conservation anthropology, and with references to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the article analyses the story of Noah’s ark in Genesis 6–9 as a conservation project. Two questions are in focus. First, how does a conservation perspective contribute to the reading of the biblical text? Second, is the biblical story of Noah’s ark a good paradigm for conservation efforts today? The answer to the first question highlights aspects of the text that often do not receive sufficient attention. The second answer shows some of the complexities of applying this biblical story as an inspiration for modern conservation projects.

Authenticity and Originality, Objectivity and Subjectivity in Conservation Decision-making – or is it Just a Matter of Taste?

ABSTRACT In an era of modern science-based conservation, heritage professionals pride themselves on their objective and interdisciplinary approach in conservation decision-making. However, supposedly well-supported conservation treatment decisions continue be the topic of heated discussions in the cultural heritage field. The question is why this is still the case. It is argued that many conservation decisions are by nature subjective, and that taste or professional preference play an important role. Combined with the fear of failure based on strict interpretations of conservation codes of ethics, this often leads to convoluted and heated arguments for or against a particular treatment. The meaning of the key concepts of authenticity and originality are no longer clear to practitioners, whose working definitions are often far removed from their original dictionary definitions. It is proposed that heritage professionals begin to accept that decision-making in conservation is, for the most part, subjective. Coupled with the concept of a ‘bespoke code of ethics’, this will allow for more open discussion and more flexibility in decision-making.

Optimization and experiment on key structural parameters of no-tillage planter with straw-smashing and strip-mulching

Accelerate the quality of smashed-straw laying and enhance the effect of seed-bed arranging for no-tillage planter with straw-smashing and strip-mulching in full stubble covered paddy have become imperative in implementing modern conservation tillage. Considering the perfect operating performance (passability and stability) of the developed no-tillage planter, this study intends to optimize the structure design of smashed-straw diversion device and strip-rotary tillage device. Dynamics equations of smashed straw and kinematics models of rotary blades were established through theoretical analysis, and the principal factors that affecting straw strip-laying quality and seed-bed arranging effect were specified. The influence of out-enlarge angle (η) and slide-push angle (γ) of the diversion device on the coefficient of variation (ζ1) of cover-straw width, and the influence of rotary tillage-blade number (N) and configuration in a single rotary plane on the broken rate (ζ2) of strip soil were completely analyzed. And then, based on the systematic analysis and integrated scheme, operating performance and field verification tests using the optimized no-tillage planter were thoroughly performed. The results of the performance tests indicated that the out-enlarge angle (η) had a highly significant influence on the coefficient of variation (ζ1), and the slide-push angle (γ) had a significant influence on (ζ1). The rotary tillage-blade number (N) had a highly significant influence on the broken rate (ζ2), and the slide-push angle (γ) had a significant influence on (ζ2). The obtained optimal combination of these key structure parameters through comprehensive analysis was η = 45°, γ = 40°, and N = 4. Field verification test results indicated that the optimized no-tillage planter achieved mean values of ζ1 = 10.47% and ζ2 = 90.95%, which satisfied the relevant operation quality and cultivation agricultural requirement of conservation tillage equipment, and provided technical references for developing the similar no-tillage planter of straw crushing and returning. Keywords: no-tillage planter, smashed-straw laying, strip rotary tillage, optimization test DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211403.5887 Citation: Shi Y Y, Wang X C, Hu Z C, Gu F W, Wu F, Chen Y Q. Optimization and experiment on key structural parameters of no-tillage planter with straw-smashing and strip-mulching. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(3): 103–111.

Integration of non-destructive testing, numerical simulations, and simplified analytical tools for assessing the structural performance of historical adobe buildings

For existing structures, the development of seismic vulnerability studies requires the availability of information related to geometry, boundary conditions, material properties, and accumulated damage. In the case of historical constructions, modern conservation criteria recommend carrying out a comprehensive structural assessment that involves the use of concurrent experimental diagnosis complemented with numerical and analytical approaches for structural analysis. This paper presents a proposal for a comprehensive integration of these perspectives by the application of several tools for the seismic performance analysis of an iconic Andean historical adobe building: the 'San Pedro Apostol Church' located in Andahuaylillas, Southern Peru. In this church, several non-destructive techniques for geometrical and damage assessment were combined with structural exploration tools, nonlinear numerical modeling, and simplified analytical tools for performing predictive seismic analysis. The results indicate the feasibility of the integration of these techniques for studying existing earthen buildings and their capacity to properly predict observed damage in past earthquakes (i.e. failures of bell towers, façade walls, tympani, and triumphal arches). In particular, the analyses allowed the identification of high seismic vulnerability of the studied church in occasional earthquakes (earthquakes with a return period of 72 years) due to the activation of collapse mechanisms consisting of rocking of the façade walls and out-of-plane overturning of the lateral walls.

Reconstruction of Min-Zhe Wooden Arch Bridges and Its Legitimation as Tangible and Intangible Heritage

ABSTRACT Min-Zhe bridge in Fu-Jian and Zhe-Jiang Provinces of China is a unique type of woven wooden arch bridge with important cultural heritage values in both tangible and intangible fields. Reconstruction (including in-situ rebuilding and relocation) is a traditional approach to extend the bridge’s lifespan, which has been passed on and lasts till now. Today’s reconstruction practice and its legitimation on intervening in the Min-Zhe bridge as both tangible and intangible heritage is discussed in this paper under the modern conservation context. Firstly, the reconstruction activities since its ‘discovery’ in 1980 are investigated through general information and case study. Then, the legitimation issues are discussed according to the criteria of the authenticity text for World Heritage bridges and the criteria of continuity for living heritage. Finally, suggestions on protecting the continuity of the building tradition and ensuring the reliability of the continuous production in the future are proposed.

From ancient construction, through survival, towards modern conservation: characterization of fine-grained building material at Niğde-Kınık Höyük (Cappadocia, Turkey)

From ancient construction, through survival, towards modern conservation: characterization of fine-grained building material at Niğde-Kınık Höyük (Cappadocia, Turkey)

Giant Clam Conservation in Sabah: a need for the appreciation of the Bajau people’s traditional ecological knowledge

Kima (Tridacna sp.) is a type of giant clam that can be found in Indo-West Pacific tropical coral reefs. It is endangered due to its excessive exploitation as a source of exotic food and the degradation of its habitat. The gazette of marine parks in Sabah is a positive modern conservation effort to reduce threats on endangered marine species especially those found in the northern part of Sabah. Integral to the conservation of giant clams within those marine parks is the appreciation of indigenous knowledge of once known sea gypsies i.e. the Bajau people. Current conservation methods at several sites in Sabah’s marine park had shown several challenges, which circulate tension among the economics of local communities. To explore the possibility of appreciating indigenous knowledge into the conservation of giant clams, a scientific study with the objective of documenting traditional consumption method of the Bajau people was carried out. Direct observations and interviews on the local people were conducted, while descriptive statistics were used to analyse all collected data. Finding of this study shows the existence of traditional ecology knowledge (TEK) and traditional management among Bajau people pertinent to the conservation of Kima. TEK can complement conventional science and help to make more informed management decisions for clam conservation through for hybridization of modern and traditional management to customary management in managing and conserving giant clam population in Sabah’s marine parks. A synthesized advice to use traditional ecology knowledge as tool in developing more effective knowledge-inclusive partnerships between indigenous communities, researchers and policy decision-makers is provided in this article.

Molecular sexing of degraded DNA from elephants and mammoths: a genotyping assay relevant both to conservation biology and to paleogenetics

It is important to determine the sex of elephants from their samples—faeces from the field or seized ivory—for forensic reasons or to understand population demography and genetic structure. Molecular sexing methods developed in the last two decades have often shown limited efficiency, particularly in terms of sensitivity and specificity, due to the degradation of DNA in these samples. These limitations have also prevented their use with ancient DNA samples of elephants or mammoths. Here we propose a novel TaqMan-MGB qPCR assay to address these difficulties. We designed it specifically to allow the characterization of the genetic sex for highly degraded samples of all elephantine taxa (elephants and mammoths). In vitro experiments demonstrated a high level of sensitivity and low contamination risks. We applied this assay in two actual case studies where it consistently recovered the right genotype for specimens of known sex a priori. In the context of a modern conservation survey of African elephants, it allowed determining the sex for over 99% of fecal samples. In a paleogenetic analysis of woolly mammoths, it produced a robust hypothesis of the sex for over 65% of the specimens out of three PCR replicates. This simple, rapid, and cost-effective procedure makes it readily applicable to large sample sizes.

Identifying potential protected areas in the Grassland Biome of South Africa

South Africa is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. The conversion, degradation, and fragmentation of natural habitats have caused a loss of biodiversity in many areas. Grasslands have been widely recognised as important for both biodiversity and economic development. Many conservation efforts have in the past been theory driven, without actionable, feasible results. We hypothesised that correct implementation of the available data will indicate where conservation efforts should be focused to move closer to achieving targets for biodiversity conservation in the Grassland Biome in South Africa. We identified an area (near Heilbron and Petrus Steyn in the Free State) that is representative of the biodiversity in the region and is suitable for modern conservation efforts in the ‘real world’. This approach provides a practical look at conservation in the modern era and a feasible result for conservation efforts.Significance:
 
 An area in the Free State Province was identified that has a high level of biodiversity representative of the Grassland Biome in South Africa. A subjective process was implemented to ensure that the area represents the factors that are considered important for conservation, land use and appropriate location in order to make the area a feasible target for conservation. The result therefore represents not only a theoretical finding that is based on data analysis, but also a practical approach to ensure that the findings can be implemented. This study is an effort to provide a baseline for a more modern approach to conservation, in which current land use, economic value and conservation value are all considered to achieve a sustainable result in terms of the conservation of biodiversity.

Microstructural characteristics of the stony coral genus Acropora useful to coral reef paleoecology and modern conservation.

Identification of fossil corals is often limited due to poor preservation of external skeleton morphology, especially in the genus Acropora which is widespread across the Indo‐Pacific. Based on skeleton characteristics from thin section, we here develop a link between the internal skeleton structure and external morphology. Ten characteristics were summarized to distinguish Acropora and five related genera, including the type and differentiation of corallites, the skeleton nature of corallites (septa, columellae, dissepiments, wall), and calcification centers within septa. Acropora is distinctive for its dimorphic corallites: axial and radial. Isopora is similar to Acropora but possess more than a single axial corallites. Montipora and Astreopora (family Acroporidae) have monomorphic corallites and a synapticular ring wall, with clustered calcification center in the former and medial lines in the latter. Pocillopora and Porties are classified by distinctive dissepiments, columellae and septa. These microstructural skeleton characteristics were effective in the genus identification of fossil corals from drilled cores in the South China Sea. Eighteen detailed characteristics (ten of axial corallites, four of radial corallites, and four of coenosteum) were used in the Acropora species classification. The axial corallites size and structure (including corallite diameter, synapticular rings, and septa), the septa of radial corallites, and the arrangement of coenosteum were critical indicators for species identification. This identification guide can help paleoenvironmental and paleoecological analyses and modern coral reef conservation and restoration.

A Revised Model for Decision-Making in Contemporary Art Conservation and Presentation

ABSTRACT In response to contemporary art forms and related conservation and presentation challenges, a research initiative at Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences reconsidered the renowned Decision-Making Model for the Conservation and Restoration of Modern and Contemporary Art. Since its publication in 1999, the model has served as a valuable tool for navigating through complex problems in modern and contemporary art conservation. Nevertheless, within the last decades, a need for revision has been revealed. To provide an updated guidance for conservation and presentation decisions, a multi-disciplinary working group re-evaluated the model within the context of recent research results and case studies, thereby considering: (1) the starting point in the individual case, (2) the often complex biographies of artworks, (3) the dynamics in decision-making, and (4) the juxtaposition of the current and desired state of an artwork to include decisions regarding preventive conservation and the presentation of ephemeral or inherently evolving artworks. Fish Flies on Sky (1985/95), a video installation by Nam June Paik, serves as an example to illustrate the different steps of the model. The research initiative was organized by Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, and Maastricht University.

Stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems: From Leopold's land ethic to a freshwater ethic

Abstract In 1949, Aldo Leopold formalized the concept of the ‘land ethic’, in what emerged as a foundational and transformational way of thinking about natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and stewardship in terrestrial systems. Yet, the land ethic has inherent linkages to aquatic ecosystems; Leopold himself conducted research on rivers and lakes, and freshwater ecosystems figured widely in his writing. We reflect on the land ethic and other aspects of Leopold's scholarship to identify key messages that provide insight into the stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems around the globe. We also frame what we call the ‘freshwater ethic’ around Leopold's legacy. Although Leopold could not have envisaged the stressors affecting modern aquatic ecosystems, his core principles remain salient. These apply not only to ecosystem protection, but also to the ethics of modern conservation economics, sustainability, and the protection of natural capital, in which lakes, rivers, and wetlands now figure prominently. We identify key ‘Aldo‐inspired’ recommendations for protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Anthropocene that emanate directly from his writings (e.g. adopt an ecosystem approach, identify win–win–win scenarios, recognize the irreplaceability of wild waters, and strive for freshwater optimism). In an epoch where links between people and nature are becoming more explicit in environmental management, policy, and governance, we suggest that Aldo Leopold's work illustrates how inspirational, seminal thinkers have offered leadership in this domain. We contend that today there is still much that can be learned from Leopold, especially by the next generation of environmental practitioners, to ensure the effective stewardship of our aquatic ecosystems. We submit that the adoption of a freshwater ethic in parallel with Leopold's land ethic will enhance the stewardship of the world's increasingly threatened fresh waters by raising the profile of the plight of fresh waters and identifying enduring actions that, if embraced, will help conserve and restore biodiversity.

Optimization and experiment on key structural parameters of no-tillage planter with straw-smashing and strip-mulching

Accelerate the quality of smashed-straw laying and enhance the effect of seed-bed arranging for no-tillage planter with straw-smashing and strip-mulching in full stubble covered paddy have become imperative in implementing modern conservation tillage. Considering the perfect operating performance (passability and stability) of the developed no-tillage planter, this study intends to optimize the structure design of smashed-straw diversion device and strip-rotary tillage device. Dynamics equations of smashed straw and kinematics models of rotary blades were established through theoretical analysis, and the principal factors that affecting straw strip-laying quality and seed-bed arranging effect were specified. The influence of out-enlarge angle (η) and slide-push angle (γ) of the diversion device on the coefficient of variation (ζ1) of cover-straw width, and the influence of rotary tillage-blade number (N) and configuration in a single rotary plane on the broken rate (ζ2) of strip soil were completely analyzed. And then, based on the systematic analysis and integrated scheme, operating performance and field verification tests using the optimized no-tillage planter were thoroughly performed. The results of the performance tests indicated that the out-enlarge angle (η) had a highly significant influence on the coefficient of variation (ζ1), and the slide-push angle (γ) had a significant influence on (ζ1). The rotary tillage-blade number (N) had a highly significant influence on the broken rate (ζ2), and the slide-push angle (γ) had a significant influence on (ζ2). The obtained optimal combination of these key structure parameters through comprehensive analysis was η = 45°, γ = 40°, and N = 4. Field verification test results indicated that the optimized no-tillage planter achieved mean values of ζ1 = 10.47% and ζ2 = 90.95%, which satisfied the relevant operation quality and cultivation agricultural requirement of conservation tillage equipment, and provided technical references for developing the similar no-tillage planter of straw crushing and returning. Keywords: no-tillage planter, smashed-straw laying, strip rotary tillage, optimization test DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211403.5887 Citation: Shi Y Y, Wang X C, Hu Z C, Gu F W, Wu F, Chen Y Q. Optimization and experiment on key structural parameters of no-tillage planter with straw-smashing and strip-mulching. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(3): 103–111.

Did forest fires maintain mixed oak forests in southern Scandinavia? A dendrochronological speculation

In northern Europe, a long history of human exploitation effectively eliminated legacies of natural disturbances in mixed oak forests and we currently lack understanding of the role of natural disturbance factors in affecting oak regeneration into the forest canopies. We compiled dendrochronological, observational and paleochronological data from Southern Sweden to discuss the role of forest fires in oak (Quercus spp.) dynamics. We analyzed oak age structure and its growth dynamics in six southern Swedish forests, which experienced fires between 42 and 158 years prior to our sampling. Extending our analysis over longer time frames, we studied the relationship between sediment charcoal and oak pollen in an area of south-eastern Sweden, where oak has been a common canopy species. In three of the study sites, forest fires resulted in increased oak regeneration. Although fires were generally not associated with a wave of growth releases in surviving trees, the mean basal area growth rate of oaks increased by a range of 108% to 176%, following the fires. The overall pattern indicated that historical fires in oak-dominated forests were of low severity, did not kill canopy oaks, and yet provided a window of regeneration opportunities for that species. Post-fire sprouting of oak and an increase in oak seedling densities following modern prescribed fires are consistent with this explanation. Consistent with this conclusion were significant positive correlations between charcoal concentration and the oak pollen percentage in a site in southeastern Sweden. We discuss the co-occurrence of oak and pine in the historical southern Swedish landscape, as a possible analogy to eastern North American oak-pine forests. Modern conservation policies aimed at the preservation of oak in the southern Swedish landscape should consider the use of low severity fires to maintain natural oak regeneration.

Treasures in tins: historical packaging in natural history collections

Historical packaging that utilises unusual or readily available items rather than modern conservation grade materials to store specimens is commonplace in many museum collections. It can be an additional, and fascinating, source of information about specimens and can expand on the time, place and historical context in which they were collected. Whilst now recognised as unsuitable storage media, such packaging does offer data relevant to scientific research as well as the culture and history of specimen collection. Information about the packaging itself should therefore be preserved in association with the specimens. This article documents some discoveries of historical packaging at the Natural History Museum (London, UK) and makes recommendations for an approach to documenting historical packaging as an integral part of re-storage projects. It also touches upon some of the conservation issues associated with historical packaging and highlights its potential use as a novel outreach tool which can develop a greater understanding of the history of museum collections