Modeling Technique with Polyurethane Resin in the Taxidermy of Vertebrates

Abstract

Since Zoology Laboratories in Research and Teaching Institutions are in constant demand for anatomical specimens for use in practice classes, preparation techniques of biological material have been perfected and implemented. Taxidermy is a technique used for the conservation of dead animals with great importance for naturalists to classify different extant species, genera and species. Most wild vertebrate species in the state of Parana are endangered and their study has become highly required. Current research uses a rare technique in taxidermy since it employs polyurethane resin as filling material. A specimen of the wild porcupine was used from which the skin was removed and preserved in 10% formaldehyde during 30 days. The carcass was used to make a plaster mold with plaster bandage. The mold was then filled with expandable polyurethane resin and an exact replica of the animal was obtained. The skin was internally treated with borax paste. The technique proved to be excellent since the polyurethane resin took the exact shape of the mold made from the carcass. In fact, the taxidermed animal, an exact replica of the live one, is characterized by high durability and stableness with regard to the materials used in conventional techniques. Results show that the above described technique warrants an excellent taxidermy in animals.