The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County holds the second largest collection of marine mammal specimens in the United States as well as one of the largest collections of ungulates (hoofed mammals). These collections have grown at an exponential rate over the past two decades and are now housed at an off-site facility. The specimens are of great scientific value; however, previous funding constraints and limited staffing have prevented them from being properly documented, prepared, and stored. The research collection of marine mammal specimens is of particular scientific importance because so little is known about the general biology of these animals. The majority of marine mammal specimens have beeen collected from dead, stranded animals, but the collection also includes animals killed accidentally in fishing operations, and hunted by aboriginal peoples. These specimens contribute to our knowledge of the distribution, natural history, anatomy, and evolution of the various specimens. Data gathered from these specimens also are used to answer many of the questions regarding the direct and indirect impact of man upon these aquatic mammals. This project will provide additional staff to continue the process of curating the backlog of previously collected specimens so they are properly cleaned, documenting and cross referencing the associated data, and storing both specimens and data so they are readily available for scientific study. The project also provides additional equipment to adequately store and move large, fragile specimens.
