This condition can lead to breaking the skin when a heavier specimen is handled directly. The use of an overall support distributes the specimen weight, protects delicate feet and whiskers, and supports identification labels which are commonly attached to a foot. Mounted Specimens Mounted specimens have several enemies, foremost of which, perhaps, is the attitude of their caretakers. Ramifications of these precepts include that they are displayed in the open, where they are placed in storage in ways that lead to more environmental damage and physical abuse. Although the scientific value of mounted specimens often is considered negligible, there remains in them the potential for instrumental analysis, and older collections increasingly represent rare and endangered species.
Treatment associated with exhibit preparation also can cause problems.
Because of their display value, mounted specimens may be reused in different settings or dioramas. This often involves their removal from original bases and perches, with attendant physical damage, the repair of which often has amounted to an interventive treatment with unlikely materials and no documentation. Sometimes, to make demounts fit better within the study skins, their leg wires are cut off at a point just below the foot. Other demounts are placed in storage lying on their sides or backs. The Ethafoam may be cut to available shelf dimensions.