Vertebrates have complex morphologies, thus, specimens need to be preserved for long term examination. Mostly, the whole specimens are preserved in solution. However, skins, skeletons, skulls and tooth are very important parts using to indentify vertebrates, therefore, these particular parts can be preserved separately.
Fish Collection
Curator: Asst.Prof.Dr.Vachira Lheknim
Ichthyology collection gathers freshwater, blackish and marine fishes. Most specimens came from research projects of lecturers in the Department of Biology. Originally, the specimens were preserved in formalin solution. However, due to its toxicity, the newly collected specimens will be preserved in 70% ethanol. The old specimens are gradually transferred from formalin to ethanol. The ichthyology collection is located on the 1st floor of the museum building. This collection housed 3,000 specimens of 880 fish species, accounting for 41% of fish species found in Thailand1
Amphibian & Reptile
Curator: Dr.Sansareeya Wangkulangkul
Herpetology collection houses specimens of amphibians and reptiles of which around 90% were collected from peninsular Thailand. The majority of specimens are preserved in 70% ethanol; in addition, there are also preserved skeletons and skins. The collection stores 1,376 specimens from 83 amphibian species, accounting for 59% of amphibian species in Thailand2, and 613 specimens of 148 reptile species, accounting for 46% of reptile species in the country3. Among these, there are type specimens of Boonsong's Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus lekaguli Grismer et al, 2013) and Starry Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus astrum Grismer et al, 2013).
Bird Collection
Curator: Dr.Pipat Soisook
Ornithology collection is a new collection, has been developed in recent years. Most specimens were obtained from research activities. Normally, birds are preserved in a form of dried skin. Currently, there are 73 specimens from 31 bird species.
Mammal Collection
Curator: Dr.Pipat Soisook and Awatsaya Pimsai
Most of the mammal specimens preserved here are small mammals, in particular bats and rodents. The specimens are preserved in 70% ethanol and in forms of skin and skull. There are 629 specimens from 98 species of mammal, including types specimens of newly found species, namely (Rhinolophus monticolus Soisook et al., 2016), (Rhinolophus francisi thailandicus Soisook et al., 2015), Thongaree’s False Vampire Bat (Eudiscoderma thongareeae Soisook et al., 2015), (Murina guilleni Soisook et al., 2013), (Murina balaensis Soisook et al., 2013), (Hipposideros alongensis sungi Thong et al., 2012) and Laotian Giant Flying Squirrel (Biswamopyopterus laoensis Sanamxay et a., 2013). Moreover, there are a huge number of specimens awaiting for registration. It can be said that the collection of mammal at PSU Museum is one of the most comprehensive reference collection of small mammal in the country.
1FROESE, R. & D. PAULY (eds.) 2016. FishBase. www.fishbase.org (accessed October, 1st 2016)
2CHAN–ARD, T. 2003. Amphibians in Thailand. Bangkok: Dan Suttha Printing Co., Ltd. [in Thai].
3NABHITABHATA, J., T. CHAN–ARD & Y. CHUAYNKERN 2000. Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles in Thailand. Bangkok: Office of Environmental Policy and Planning (OEPP).