Assessing ex situ Palaeontological Heritage: A Methodology for Safeguarding Museum Collections

This methodological paper innovatively proposes evaluating and conserving ex situ palaeontological heritage. To meet this objective, we conducted a state-of-the-art review of palaeontological heritage evaluation methods, which supported this proposal. Based on this review, we defined criteria, metrics and suggested parameters and techniques to support the evaluation and monitoring stages for ex situ specimens and their geoconservation state. The importance of fossils as heritage is emphasised, highlighting a divergence in the perception of fossils as part of natural heritage, which negatively affects their scientific value and the protection of natural assets. The proposed methodology is divided into three main steps: qualitative characterisation, quantitative assessment and monitoring strategies. The qualitative characterisation generates a preliminary list based on a given framework; the quantitative assessment uses seven main criteria, scored from 1 to 4 to determine the scientific value of the specimens, aiming to prioritise geoconservation actions. Additionally, monitoring strategies are proposed to maintain the scientific value of palaeontological collections defining fossil features, establishing baselines, condition assessment, and continuous monitoring. Detailed documentation of all information about the fossils is crucial for successfully applying the methodology, preserving palaeontological heritage, and ensuring these samples continue contributing to scientific knowledge. Hence, this methodology could improve the management and protection of ex situ palaeontological heritage, facilitating the development of sustainable geoconservation strategies and integrating ex situ and in situ elements.