title: Natural history collections-based research: progress, promise, and best practices.
abstract: Specimens and associated data in natural history collections (NHCs) foster substantial scientific progress. In this paper, we explore recent contributions of NHCs to the study of systematics and biogeography, genomics, morphology, stable isotope ecology, and parasites and pathogens of mammals. To begin to assess the magnitude and scope of these contributions, we analyzed publications in theJournal of Mammalogyover the last decade, as well as recent research supported by a single university mammal collection (Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Mammals). Using these datasets, we also identify weak links that may be hindering the development of crucial NHC infrastructure. Maintaining the vitality and growth of this foundation of mammalogy depends on broader engagement and support from across the scientific community and is both an ethical and scientific imperative given the rapidly changing environmental conditions on our planet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Bryan S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Kayce C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Jonathan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Dunnum
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Bethany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abrahamson
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Jocelyn P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Colella
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Eleanor R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Deardorff
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Jessica A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Amanda K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salazar-Miralles
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, NM 87131 , USA (BSM, KCB, JLD, BA, JPC, ERD, JAW, AKJ, FS-M, JAC).
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cook
keywords: GenBank; IACUC; data integration; ethics; natural history collections; specimens; voucher collection