Natural History Collections Document Loss of Biodiversity

More+More+ ♦ Published: November 15, 2023; 23:13 ♦ (Vindobona)

Natural history collections are not only valuable cultural archives but also crucial research infrastructures that document the Earth's biodiversity and its loss. In a time of global change, these collections are becoming increasingly important.

Dr. Anja Palandačić extracting and analyzing the Suess' trembling ray. / Picture: © @NHM Wien

Researchers at the Natural History Museum Vienna (NHM Vienna), in cooperation with the international scientific community, are addressing the urgent issue of the rapid loss of biodiversity.

A particular focus is on the torpedo rays (Torpedinformes), a group of rays known for their ability to use electrical discharges to stun their prey or for defense. One of these species, the…