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<p>Information on processing fluid-preserved avian specimens for osteological preparation is limited. Obtaining clean skeletal material from these specimens is challenging, as fixation and preservation harden tissues and preclude the use of natural cleaning methods such as bacterial maceration or insect-based techniques. To address this, two maceration methods—enzymatic detergent treatment and simmering—were appraised using skulls of <i>Rhea americana</i> (greater rhea) of different ages (1, 3 and 5 months and adults) housed in a museum collection. Skulls were subjected to enzymatic detergent at low and high concentrations and to simmering to evaluate their suitability for soft-tissue removal, which was qualitatively assessed using predefined criteria. The enzymatic detergent at higher concentration showed greater soft-tissue softening than lower concentrations and simmering, which did not produce sufficient softening to facilitate mechanical removal. An additional ethanol–hydrogen peroxide bath enhanced tissue loosening and bone whitening without causing visible damage. The rhamphotheca was difficult to remove and was often only partially removed to avoid bone damage. Final cleaning required careful manual removal of residual tissues with forceps, as part of the preparation process. These findings indicate that enzymatic detergent maceration offers an accessible method for cleaning fluid-preserved avian skulls, including those of immature individuals. It can be implemented with basic, readily available equipment, representing a practical alternative when specialized facilities are not available.</p>

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Preparing skulls from fluid-preserved birds: evaluation of cleaning methods in Rhea americana (Palaeognathae)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月7日

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  • Mariana B. J. Picasso,
  • María Clelia Mosto,
  • Alejandro M. Tudisca

摘要

Information on processing fluid-preserved avian specimens for osteological preparation is limited. Obtaining clean skeletal material from these specimens is challenging, as fixation and preservation harden tissues and preclude the use of natural cleaning methods such as bacterial maceration or insect-based techniques. To address this, two maceration methods—enzymatic detergent treatment and simmering—were appraised using skulls of Rhea americana (greater rhea) of different ages (1, 3 and 5 months and adults) housed in a museum collection. Skulls were subjected to enzymatic detergent at low and high concentrations and to simmering to evaluate their suitability for soft-tissue removal, which was qualitatively assessed using predefined criteria. The enzymatic detergent at higher concentration showed greater soft-tissue softening than lower concentrations and simmering, which did not produce sufficient softening to facilitate mechanical removal. An additional ethanol–hydrogen peroxide bath enhanced tissue loosening and bone whitening without causing visible damage. The rhamphotheca was difficult to remove and was often only partially removed to avoid bone damage. Final cleaning required careful manual removal of residual tissues with forceps, as part of the preparation process. These findings indicate that enzymatic detergent maceration offers an accessible method for cleaning fluid-preserved avian skulls, including those of immature individuals. It can be implemented with basic, readily available equipment, representing a practical alternative when specialized facilities are not available.