Database gap
Definition
The absence of morphological reference data or molecular barcode sequences for the taxa encountered in trade, particularly tropical invertebrates, many freshwater fish, and under-described plant species.
Related terms
- Barcode of Life Database (BOLD)
- An online reference library of DNA barcode sequences (primarily COI gene) linked to voucher specimens in natural history collections. Used to identify...
- Reference slide library
- A curated collection of prepared microscopy slides (hair scale casts, feather cross-sections, bone histology sections) from verified species, maintained for comparison against...
- USFWS National Wildlife Forensics Laboratory
- The US federal wildlife forensics laboratory in Ashland, Oregon. Holds over 40,000 reference specimens and provides identification services for US enforcement cases...
- Voucher specimen
- A preserved specimen formally deposited in a collection or retained in the case file as a permanent reference. In forensic entomology, the...
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- India's primary national natural history collection and taxonomic research institution, providing comparative specimens and taxonomic expertise for wildlife forensic identification in South...
Explained in
- Morphological Keys and Reference CollectionsThe absence of morphological reference data or molecular barcode sequences for the taxa encountered in trade, particularly tropical invertebrates, many freshwa...