The bulk of the collection consists of preserved specimens fixed in formalin and stored in alcohol. In recent times a start was made to preserve tissue samples of suitable fresh specimens in alcohol. The computerizing of the collection will help to manage the collection more efficiently. Ultimately, to facilitate information dissemination, the department plans on posting its holdings on the web. All specimens are required to have minimum data of locality, preferably with exact co-ordinates, collecting date and the name of the collector, who might be able to provide additional information.
Arrangement is alphabetical by family and species.
Specimens are only accessioned if they comply to the above mentioned minimum requirements. The collection is focused on the southern African sub-region and the faunal relationship with the rest of the Ethiopian region. However, smaller collections of comparative material from Madagascar, Australia, Europe and some from the rest of the world have been accumulated over the years, mainly by exchange with other institutions. Recently a start was made to include a tissue collection. Hand written tags, with the museum number and collection data are attached to the specimen.