Pacific IDentifications offers biologists and archaeologists the most complete analysis of bone and shell from western North America. The identification of whole or fragmentary skeletal elements (both cranial and postcranial) from marine and freshwater fish, land and sea mammals and birds from western North America are our specialty.

Pacific ID also provides training in skeletal anatomy and bone identification worldwide (especially for fish), using a combination of written manuals, personal instruction, computer image databases and video support. In addition to preparation of skeletal reference databases for comparative taxonomic research and size estimation projects, independent valuations of existing institutional or donated collections are offered.

The reference collections of skeletons we use (at the University of Victoria (Anthropology) and the Royal B.C. Museum) cover an exceptionally broad range of species. In our experienced hands, the organization of these collections by bone element enables rapid identification of even the most complex and fragmentary samples.

The following types of specialized analyses and services are offered:

• Zooarchaeological analysis
• Prehistoric zoogeography/paleozoology
• Food habit studies of predatory animals (mammals, birds, fish)
• Ancient DNA analysis (sample preparation)
• Training in skeletal anatomy and bone ID for food habits studies
• Preparation of skeletal reference databases
• Valuation of donated or existing institutional skeletal collections