Clarification of inconsistent label information of old bird specimens through relevant literature and archival documents

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24700937
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Museology
• Research Institution: Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
• Principal Investigator: Kobayashi Sayaka 公益財団法人山階鳥類研究所, その他部局等, 研究員 (70414092)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 鳥類標本 / 鳥類学 / 標本史 / 博物館 / 明治期 / 大正期

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to clarify unclear label data of two old bird specimen collections, Tokyo Imperial University collection and Imperial Household Museum (IH) collection, from relevant literature and archival documents. These collections were made in the earliest stage of the Japanese ornithology. I investigated the specimens collected by Mr. Ogawa Minori which were the most numerous in the Tokyo Imperial University collection. It was found that Ogawa’s specimens were collected from 1874 to 1908. This study also clarified dates and localities of 350 specimens which were previously unclear. 90% of IH collection had unclear dates. This study narrowed down the year of collection by the collection history. The IH collection made by two national museums during the Maiji and the Taisyo Periods was considered the only existing national collection of these periods.

Free Research Field

鳥類標本史