Preparation of an Indian Grey Mongoose (Urva edwardsii) as a Museum Specimen Using the Taxidermy Technique

Taxidermy provides a means of preserving the external appearance of animal specimens for museum display, anatomical teaching and wildlife education. This descriptive report documents the preparation of a single Indian grey mongoose (Urva edwardsii) that died following a road accident on the campus of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. The carcass was received by the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology for preparation as an educational specimen. A mid-ventral incision was used to separate the skin, with particular care taken around the head and limbs. Body dimensions were recorded to guide the construction of an artificial form. The procedure included cleaning the skin, immersing it for three days in a solution containing two litres of water, 75 g of salt and 50 g of alum, and shade-drying it. The original preparation also recorded the application of arsenical soap. The treated skin was positioned over a supporting form made from foam and wood wool, stitched, and arranged using wire supports. Artificial eyes and a display base completed the mount. The finished specimen retained a recognisable external body outline and provided a three-dimensional teaching resource. However, neither long-term preservation performance nor educational outcomes were measured. The use of protected wildlife and hazardous preservatives requires appropriate legal authorisation and chemical-safety controls.