Treatments for Lipid Oxidation in Taxidermy and Impact on DNA Recovery

Lipid oxidation, commonly known as fat burn, is a serious problem in taxidermy collections across the world. The zoological collections at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, are no exception. This article outlines the causes and possible solutions for this form of deterioration. Treatments are evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, pH, shrinkage temperature, and their effect on DNA degradation. The most effective treatment may be ammonia vapour, but this requires careful consideration before use.