Novye Issledovaniâ Tuvy (Jun 2019)
Rare and endangered species in the taxidermy collection of the National Museum of the Republic of Tuva
Abstract
The Aldan-Maadyr National Museum of the Republic of Tuva is both a cultural and environmental center of the region. This article assesses the environmental status of species of mammals found in Tuva. paying particular attention to rare species of animals listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tuva, their protected status, and categories of endangerment. The article underscores the importance of the zoological collection of the National Museum of the Republic of Tuva as a “databank” pf valuable biological material of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. The basis of the museum's natural science fund is the taxidermy collection, which consists of 790 items. Among the exhibits are 59 rare and endangered species. Of particular value are those with international protected status, including the snow leopard (Uncia uncia), argali (Ovis ammon), and Mongolian gazelle (Procapra gutturosa). The museum’s long history of scientific work and ongoing conservation activities help ensure continuity of research on flora and fauna of the region. The analysis of the museum’s taxidermy collection allows the authors to assert that, at the moment, there is no need for purposeful replenishment of the museum's zoological collections. However, it is necessary to set up a research program to study the museum’s existing scientific inventory of objects and to develop a system for the regular accumulation and updating of data on particular types of protected fauna. Such an approach will facilitate systematization of the scientific work of the museum's local history department and allow museum personnel to participate in regional biodiversity monitoring programs. Accepting the systemic study of the collection as the methodological basis, the authors conclude by calling for a monitoring procedure to protect the rare and endangered species of animals in Tuva.
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