The mammal collection consists of about 5,000 specimens, primarily from east-central Alabama. There are also representative mammals from elsewhere in the United States and from several other countries. Insectivores, bats, rodents, and carnivores are well represented. Specimens of most species of Alabama mammals are present. Specimens are traditional skin and skull preparations, but there are numerous taxidermy mounts, complete skeletons, fluid-preserved specimens and a collection of frozen tissues. Most specimens are accompanied by standard measurements (total length, length of tail, length of hind foot, length of ear, and mass), and by information on site of collection, date of collection, and name of collector.
In addition to the research collection, there is a separately housed teaching collection. These specimens are used by students in courses such as Mammalogy, Natural History of the Vertebrates, and Wildlife Biology. Loans of specimens are made to scientists and students associated with recognized institutions or to others with adequate credentials. For more information, e-mail or visit with the Curator.
