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Patterson, B.D.
On the continuing need for scientific collecting of mammals
2002 Journal of Neotropical Mammalogy (9): 253-262
Nature's imperiled state during the present biodiversity crisis has caused many to question the justification for continued scientific collecting. Public opposition to and criticism of biological collecting is especially strong for "charismatic megafauna" like birds and mammals. This article reviews the various ways that biodiversity science is dependent on biological collections, drawing illustrations from on-going work on Neotropical mammals. Modern collections are directly responsible for many of the major discoveries now being made on this remarkable fauna. Not a single case is known where scientific collecting has imperiled or caused the extinction of any Neotropical mammal; all professional scientific organizations have guidelines to prevent this negative impact from developing. Biological collecting is an essential feature of data acquisition and validation. It must continue if biodiversity science is to inform global conservation efforts.
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