Translations:WikiArS/Case studies/29/en

David Fernández, Daniel Burch, Miquel Borrull and Edgar Sánchez, Llotja students on internship at Amical Wikimedia, illustrated two extinct species of mammal (Cryptoprocta spelea and Chapalmalania), one extinct species of reptile (Thadeosaurus) and a rare species of bat of which few photographs are available (Miniopterus manavi). In scientific illustrations of living organisms, it is important to show the characteristic traits of the species. In the case of extinct or rare animals, scientific illustration is also a reconstruction process based on hypotheses formulated by scientists. Using information and documentation provided by Alistair, the students began by making sketches of the animals' appearance, taking into account the available information (fossils, descriptions, etc.) as well as the appearance of similar or related animals. The adviser made corrections to the sketches and the art lecturer provided guidance regarding representation strategies. Once it was determined that the sketches properly conveyed the morphological representation of the animal, the students created final versions that included color, textures and finishes and depicted the animal in a natural environment. After being validated by the adviser, the images and their descriptions were posted on Wikimedia Commons under the category corresponding to each species. The Wikimedian tutor, David Gómez, provided guidance, particularly with regard to the registration and uploading processes on Commons.