What is Fur Slippage?
Preserving animal specimens can be challenging, especially when it comes to preventing fur slippage. This occurs when the fur starts to detach from the skin, causing damage to the appearance of the preserved animal. To avoid this issue, it's essential to understand its causes and how to prevent it.
Before beginning the preservation process, several factors can cause damage to the tissues. If the animal experiences injury or stress before or after death, it can lead to tissue damage. Exposure to sunlight, water, and fluctuations in temperature can accelerate tissue breakdown. Additionally, microorganisms on or around the animal can contribute to tissue deterioration. Damage to the skin and fur can also occur if other animals bite or step on the body.
During preservation, various factors can further damage the tissues. Natural processes, aided by microorganisms, break down tissues over time. pH imbalance can speed up tissue breakdown, as can excessive or insufficient moisture levels. It's crucial to use appropriate chemicals and handle the specimen carefully during preservation to prevent any damage that could occur.
To prevent fur slippage, certain measures should be taken:
- Retrieve the animal promptly after death.
- Handle it gently to avoid tissue damage.
- Maintain a stable environment to slow down tissue degradation.
- Clean and disinfect the specimen before preservation to prevent contamination that could cause damage.
- Use suitable chemicals for effective tissue preservation.
- Ensure optimal pH levels to maintain tissue health.
- Control moisture levels to prevent tissue damage.
- Handle the specimen delicately to avoid any damage.
- Regularly inspect the specimen to identify and address any issues before they worsen and cause damage to the specimen.