Specimen Collecting Guidelines When collecting specimens for this survey, please consider the following guidelines, modified from the Dragonfly Society of the Americas (view DSA guidelines directly): Purposes of Collecting To create a reference collection for study and appreciation. To document regional diversity, frequency and variability of species, and as voucher specimens for published records. To document faunal representation in environments undergoing, or threatened with, alteration by human or natural forces. To participate in the development of regional checklists and institutional reference collections. To complement a planned research endeavor. To aid in dissemination of educational information. To provide specimens for taxonomic studies. To provide information for ecological studies. To provide a resource for DNA material for genetic analyses. Restraints as to Numbers Collection of adults or immatures should be limited to sampling so as to not deplete the population. Numbers collected should be consistent with, and not excessive for, the purpose of the collecting. Where the extent and/or fragility of the population are unknown, caution and restraint should be exercised when collecting. Collecting Methods Field collecting should be selective and should minimize harm to non-target organisms. Field collecting should be conducted in a manner that minimizes damage to fragile habitats such as seeps and fens. Live Odonata Rearing to elucidate life histories and to obtain a series of immature stages and adults is encouraged, provided that collection of the rearing stock is in keeping with the guidelines. Reared individuals in excess of need should be released, but only in the region where they originated, and in suitable habitat. Concerns about the introduction of disease, and the dispersal of non-indigenous genetic material, makes it critical that release of excess individuals in areas removed from the larvae's origin be conducted only with a planned restoration program under the supervision of knowledgeable biologists. Environmental and Legal Considerations Protecting the supporting habitat must be recognized as essential to the protection of a species. Collecting should be performed in a manner that minimizes trampling or other damage to the habitat. Property rights and sensibilities of others must be respected (including those of nature photographers and observers). All collecting must be in compliance with legislation relating to public lands (such as provincial and national parks, wildlife management areas, recreational areas, etc.) and to individual species and habitats. Importation and movement of species must be in compliance with international, national, provincial or regional laws prior to importing or exporting live or dead material. Responsibility for Collected Specimens All specimens should be preserved with full data attached, including percentage of immatures when known. All specimens should be protected from physical damage and deterioration by light, molds, and insect pests. Collections should be made available for examination by qualified researchers. Collections or specimens, and their associated written, electronic, photographic and other records, should be willed or offered to the care of an appropriate scientific institution, if the collector lacks space or loses interest, or anticipates death. Type specimens, especially holotypes or allotypes, should be deposited in appropriate institutions. Related Activities of Collectors Collecting should include permanently recorded field notes regarding habitat, conditions, and other pertinent information. Recording of observations of behaviour and other biological interactions is encouraged. Fully documented photographic records are encouraged. Education of the public about collecting and conservation, as reciprocally beneficial activities, should be undertaken whenever possible. Traffic in Odonata Specimens Collection of specimens for exchange should be performed in accordance with these guidelines. Rearing of specimens for exchange should be from stock obtained in a manner consistent with these guidelines, and should be so documented. The sale of individual specimens or the mass collection of Odonata for commercial purposes (e.g. fish bait), and collection or use of specimens for creation of marketable artifacts, are not included among the purposes of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas (or this survey).   Return to Join the MDS | The MDS main page

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