Natural history specimens are often modified for use in exhibits and research. The scientific value and market value are in conflict causing a serious impact on science. Legislation is lacking or inadequate. Museums cannot afford to purchase specimens at market price. Provenance information is usually uncertain for specimens sold commercially.
Dealers offer a certificate of authenticity but no other valuable information.
The nature of federal ownership and the role of federal agencies need to be clarified. Association of Systematic Collections member institutions want to preserve and provide access to collections. A letter from Rocky Mountain National Park requested a complete detailed inventory of specimens from federal lands. This would have required one full-time employee to examine each specimen in the Davis collection that has 6 million specimens. The museum does not hold legal title to federal material.