Reference collections: Their importance and relevance to modern zoo management and conservation biology

The value of retaining and storing animal material in the form of "referenc e collections" is emphasised, Such specimens provide opportunities for basi c studies (e.g. anatomy), for research on genetics and parentage and for re trospective investigation of disease. The methods for reception and process ing of material are outlined and the challenges presented by, for example, health and safety requirements and CITES, are analysed. The paper deals pri marily, but not exclusively, with pathology reference collections and uses the Mascarene Collection as an example.