The Curious Intersection of Taxonomies and Taxidermy

There have been times I have had to explain to inquirers that taxonomies are not the same or related to taxidermy. However, that may not be true. This interesting topic came to us from the article, “Death and Taxonomies” by Places Journal.

At first glance, taxonomies—the science of classification—and taxidermy—the art of preserving and mounting animals—may seem worlds apart. One is concerned with organizing life, while the other deals with what remains after life has passed. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find that these two fields share a fascinating relationship, blending science, history and artistry in unexpected ways.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, as European explorers ventured into new territories, they brought back specimens of exotic animals. Taxidermy allowed these creatures to be preserved and classified, fueling the expansion of taxonomic knowledge.

Museums like the Smithsonian and London’s Natural History Museum became repositories for taxidermied animals, serving as physical catalogues of life on Earth. Even today, these specimens provide invaluable data for taxonomists studying species diversity, evolution and even climate change.

For taxidermy to be scientifically valuable, it must be accurate. Early taxidermists sometimes took creative liberties, often leading to bizarre misinterpretations. However, as taxonomy advanced, so did taxidermy techniques. Specimens became more lifelike, capturing anatomical details essential for classification and study.

It turns out that the worlds of taxonomy and taxidermy are deeply intertwined, with one providing the structure for understanding life and the other preserving its form. Together, they help us catalog, study and appreciate the natural world—whether in the halls of a museum or in the careful hands of a skilled taxidermist. In their intersection, science meets art, and order meets preservation, reminding us that even in death, life’s diversity continues to tell a story.

Melody K. Smith

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