24 July 2018 (Tuesday) – Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Zoological Branch (ZOO) has conducted a Taxidermy Course for 16 of its staff on July 16.

The course conducted by the branch head, Mohammad Shahfiz Azman, aimed at sharing knowledge and enhancing the skills of participants in taxidermy field.

Mohamad Shahfiz described the background, techniques and functions of taxidermy at the introductory session. At the practical session, participants were given the opportunity to prepare wildlife specimens of small mammals such as rats and squirrels.

Mohammad Shahfiz explaining the background of taxidermy.

Mohammad Shahfiz showing the participants the right taxidermy technique.

Taxidermy (means arrangement of skin) is the art of preparing, stuffing and mounting animal skins (especially vertebrates) in a lifelike form for display or scientific purposes.

ZOO conducts taxonomical and ecological studies on fauna as well as wildlife conservation. The ZOO’s studies focus on small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and freshwater fish.

Its research findings are shared with stakeholders through journals, proceedings, posters and pamphlets as well as used as references for large-scale ecosystem management such as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) and Central Forest Spine (CFS).

Field assistant Mohamad Hazmi Abdullah Zabir preparing a rat specimen.

Specimens prepared by the course participants.