Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle
Natural history collections and research on biodiversity, evolution, Earth science and societies.
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Research a species or specimen
Identify the scientific name, record and collection or observation context.
Check first: An occurrence record does not establish present-day presence in that location.
Compare this resource with other directory records →
Find a specimen without mixing identifiers
- Search name
- Find candidates.
- Collection record
- Identify the specimen.
- Choose the appropriate collection group.
- Compare name, collection and specimen number.
- Keep the selected record’s link.
Fictional example: two specimens share a species name but have different origins; do not merge their records.
Your useful record: Keep collection, identifier and documented origin.
A record does not guarantee physical access.
Editorial method informed by Muséum — Consultation des collections scientifiques. Documentation consulted on . Examples are fictional exercises, not results from a live service test.
Identify a specimen and its record
The Muséum’s natural-history collections span several scientific fields. Keep the specimen identifier, collection, determination and documented provenance when using a record. Distinguish the preserved object, its digital record and the conditions for consultation or image use.
- Collections
- Scientific and documentary natural-history holdings.
- Identification
- Specimen, collection and provenance information.
- Access
- Consult the arrangements for the relevant collection.
- Scientific portal
- Science.mnhn.fr provides access through collection groups.
Source: Muséum — Consultation des collections scientifiques · consulted on - Visible fields
- Botany, Earth and humans, biological resources and zoology.
Source: Muséum — Consultation des collections scientifiques · consulted on
Does a photograph replace the record?
No. Identifier, determination and provenance help locate and contextualise the specimen.
Can I access every collection without requesting it?
Check the procedure for the collection and access type needed.
Initial profile documentation
Initial profile documentation consulted on . Added details carry their own source and consultation date above.
Editorial selection, without website certification. Read our method.