by Fatimah Abang & Ghazally Ismail
University Malaysia Sarawak

Abstract

Preserved biological specimens in museums serve several distinct fundamental functions in the study of biodiversity. For biodiversity survey and inventory, taxonomists use type specimens to assign names to organisms and use a large number of carefully preserved specimens as raw materials for comparison and assessment of biodiversity. Plant and collections provide research opportunities in not only the systematic but also the evolutionary origins and patterns of life. Through creative interpretative displays of preserved biological specimens to the general public, we can enhance awareness on the role of biodiversity and the need to preserve them.

Introduction

The signing of international agreements such as the Convention for Biological Diversity and Agenda 21 on June 1992 effectively drove home the point that biodiversity represents the very foundation of human existence. The accelerating destruction of life on Earth call for increased efforts to inventory and monitor the worlds biodiversity. As a party to the Convention. Malaysia must immediately initiate radical steps to responsibly demonstrate its commitment to conserve and sustainable utilize its biodiverse resources into the future.

On 16 April 1998. Malaysia launched its National Biological Diversity (NBD). The document contains a strong pledge and firm commitment by the Government of Malaysia to transform this country into a world center of excellence in conservation research and utilization of tropical biological diversity by the year 2020.

One of the two relevant strategies identified in the NBD Policy for effective management of biological diversity is the improvement of the scientific knowledge base. This will be achieved through the implementation of two inter-related action plans that include

• documentation of species diversity through activities that intensify biolonical resource inventories and systematic studies and

• providing support for documentation of species diversity through strengthening of existing herbaria and establishment of natural history museums.

Both action plans signify the recognition accorded by the Malaysian Government on the need to increase research in biosystematics and the important role of institutions such as herbaria and museums in our effort to document our biodiversity, credible scientific documentation of biodiversity must inevitably rely on the availability of large collections of specimens (Danks, 1988). In Malaysia, knowledge on our biodiversity is scarce. Our current knowledge on Malaysian insects is particularly dearth compared to that of other taxa. This paper attempts to review the development of entomological collections in Malaysia and their role building our knowledge on insect biodiversity through research and education. The lingering shortage of insect systematists in Malaysia is highlighted and steps to effectively address the problem are discussed.