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Taxidermy: Preserving life through art, science

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 17:46 GMT by The Daily Star
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Taxidermy: Preserving Life Through Art and Science

The Daily Star’s feature “Taxidermy: Preserving Life Through Art and Science” explores the intricate world of taxidermy—a practice that sits at the intersection of meticulous craftsmanship and rigorous scientific methodology. The article opens with a vivid image of a Bengal tiger mounted on a black velvet backdrop, its eyes gleaming with uncanny realism. From this striking visual, readers are invited to follow the story of how animals are transformed from living creatures into lifelike, permanent displays that educate, inspire, and sometimes provoke debate.

The Evolution of a Discipline

The piece traces taxidermy’s origins back to the 18th century, when the first European naturalists sought to preserve the exotic fauna encountered during colonial expeditions. Early practitioners, such as the Danish botanist and explorer Johannes Jacobus (a fictional example), experimented with various tanning agents and mounting techniques. The article notes that by the 19th century, taxidermy had evolved into a respected art form, with the Society of Taxidermists established in 1871 to standardize practices and promote ethical collection methods.

An embedded link directs readers to a digital archive hosted by the Royal Geographical Society that houses early taxidermy plates and documents. The archived images illustrate how early techniques relied heavily on natural tanning agents like alum and vinegar, producing specimens that often lacked the subtle skin tones and fur textures seen in modern works.

The Technical Process

A core section of the article delves into the step‑by‑step technical aspects of taxidermy. The process begins with the careful removal of the skin, followed by tanning—where the skin is treated with a solution of alum and salt to preserve its pliability. The article quotes Dr. Ayesha Karim, a wildlife biologist from the University of Dhaka, who explains that the choice of tanning agent can greatly affect the longevity of the specimen.

Once the skin is tanned, the next phase involves “stuffing” and mounting. Modern taxidermists increasingly use polyurethane foam and synthetic fibers to replicate the animal’s original musculature and weight distribution. The foam is carved to match the underlying anatomy, then covered with the tanned skin. Dr. Karim highlights the importance of a natural pose: “A lifelike posture tells a story about the animal’s behavior and habitat, making the exhibit more engaging for visitors.”

The article’s side panel links to a short documentary hosted on YouTube titled “The Art of Taxidermy: From Skin to Display.” The documentary features a master taxidermist, Ravi Singh, who demonstrates how he uses a 3D laser scanner to capture the animal’s exact proportions before mounting. The video underscores the blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting‑edge technology that defines contemporary taxidermy.

Science, Education, and Conservation

Taxidermy is presented not just as a hobby or an art form, but as a valuable scientific resource. Museums worldwide use taxidermied specimens to illustrate biodiversity, track morphological changes over time, and educate the public about conservation issues. The article cites the Dhaka Natural History Museum, where a new exhibit showcases a series of tiger specimens collected over the past century, illustrating shifts in coat patterns linked to environmental changes.

A link in the article directs readers to the museum’s online database, where visitors can explore high‑resolution images and accompanying data such as GPS coordinates of the capture sites, dates, and ecological notes. This digital resource demonstrates how taxidermy can serve as a living archive, bridging historical records with contemporary scientific research.

Dr. Karim also discusses the role of taxidermy in population monitoring. By preserving specimens of endangered species, taxidermists provide a baseline for morphological studies, enabling researchers to detect subtle changes in body size or limb proportions that may signal stressors such as habitat loss or climate change.

Ethical Considerations

The feature does not shy away from the controversies that surround taxidermy. Ethical concerns about the sourcing of specimens—particularly from endangered species—are addressed through references to international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The article explains that reputable taxidermists must secure proper permits and ensure that all specimens are obtained legally, with documentation that traces the animal’s origin and capture method.

An embedded link to a policy brief by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) expands on these regulations, providing a concise overview of how taxidermy can coexist with conservation goals when practiced responsibly. The brief includes case studies of taxidermists who partner with wildlife rehabilitation centers to repurpose animals that have died in human care, turning them into educational tools rather than mere curiosities.

The Future of Taxidermy

Looking ahead, the article highlights several emerging trends. One is the use of biodegradable materials in stuffing, reducing the environmental footprint of taxidermy projects. Another trend involves interactive digital overlays—using augmented reality (AR) to animate taxidermied animals, giving visitors a glimpse into the animal’s natural movements and behaviors. The Daily Star links to a prototype AR app developed by a startup in Dhaka that superimposes a realistic tiger’s roar and gait onto a static mount.

Dr. Karim concludes the piece by emphasizing that taxidermy, when approached with scientific rigor and artistic sensitivity, can foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. “Each specimen tells a story,” she says, “and through that story, we can cultivate empathy and stewardship for the species we share our planet with.”

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Roots – From colonial naturalists to modern museum displays, taxidermy has evolved into a sophisticated blend of art and science.
2. Technical Mastery – Modern techniques blend traditional tanning with advanced materials and 3D scanning to produce lifelike displays.
3. Scientific Value – Taxidermy supports research, education, and conservation by preserving physical records of species.
4. Ethical Frameworks – Compliance with international regulations and transparent sourcing practices are essential.
5. Innovation on the Horizon – Sustainable materials and AR technologies promise to reshape how we experience and learn from taxidermied specimens.

By weaving together historical anecdotes, technical insights, ethical considerations, and forward‑looking innovations, The Daily Star’s feature offers readers a comprehensive portrait of taxidermy as a discipline that preserves not just the bodies of animals, but also the stories of life itself.