Collection Informs Science

Last week, Drs. Greg Herbert (University of South Florida, USF) and Stephen Geiger (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC), together with USF graduate students Stephen Hesterberg and Nicole Seiden, visited the Museum collection to study Horse Conch, Triplofusus giganteus, shells. Their research project includes taking measurements of and sampling material from a large number of Horse Conch shells, using methods that will ultimately allow them to estimate growth rates and longevity in the species. Such data are instrumental in establishing parameters that will help in the conservation and protection of the species.

University of South Florida graduate students Stephen Hesterberg and Nicole Seiden measuring the world record-size Horse Conch from the Museum collection. Photo by Lorin Buckner.