About

The Mammal Collection of the Illinois Natural History Survey was established in 1876 and is housed at the University of Illinois in rooms 142 and 144 of the Natural Resources Studies Annex. As of April 2024, the collection contains more than 30,000 lots of specimens, representing over 39,000 individuals and more than 58,000 preparations. This makes it one of the 35 largest mammal collections in the world.

Specimens are used in many ways. They are loaned to scientists at other institutions for study, serve as comparative material to identify mammals brought to INHS, and support teaching in University of Illinois classes.

The collection’s goal is to build a broad spatial and temporal record of mammal populations in Illinois, with a secondary emphasis on North America and other parts of the world. Specimens are acquired through collecting trips, exchanges, salvaging, donations, purchases, and permanent loans.

Multiple datasets and preservation methods are archived to support the widest range of scientific and educational uses. Traditional preparations include skins and skeletons, while newer methods incorporate tissue and hair samples and photo vouchers. Well-documented specimens from non-systematic investigations, particularly those carried out by state and federal agencies, are also archived.

Learn more about the INHS Mammal Collection by visiting our History page.