ABOUT
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Ever since the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 9147, also known as the Wildlife Act, wildlife specimens confiscated by enforcement agencies in Palawan have been turned over to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) for custody, as mandated by the principles of RA 7611 (SEP LAW) on the protection of Palawan’s biodiversity. Through the years, the increase of wildlife species in custody has created new opportunities for research and education; thus, the establishment of the Palawan Biodiversity Resource Center (PBRC)- a joint project of the PCSD and USAID.
The PBRC is a size infrastructure or facility located at Brgy. Irawan, Puerto Princesa City, and serves as the home of confiscated and turned-over biodiverse its resources to prevent their utter deterioration.
The PBRC is also a dynamic space for research development, and conservation studies. Here, students, researchers, and experts in morphological, biochemical, and molecular studies, biology, ecology, life history studies and ethology can work together to support the active study of Palawan’s biodiversity.
While simultaneously serving as a source of knowledge and awareness among Palawenos, helping them realize that our wildlife resources are cut above the rest.
VISION
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A center where morphological reference of Palawan endemic and threatened species with threatened species with Global importance can be exhibited; knowledge of Palawan’s biodiversity, as resources of its people, can be continuously studied, verified, collated, documented and appropriately disseminated to all stakeholders, for educational and socio-economic development (research and education center).
MISSION
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Our mission is to engage local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts through showcasing Palawan’s endemic and threatened species with global significance. This center is a great space for everyone to learn and study about Palawan’s Wildlife and biodiversity, and what we can do to to help protect Palawan as a biosphere reserve.
GALLERY
These are high-resolution images of more than 200 species of wildlife displayed at the PBRC.
SPECIMEN PRESERVATION
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All specimens under the custody of the PCSDS are classified and labeled with proper protocol and standards. Moreover, specimen preservation methods include dry, cold, wet, and microscopical methods to ensure long-term use of the specimens.
Relevant information is documented in the Biodiversity Information Database (BID) and is based on existing literature and research. The BID is available for all researchers and individuals who want to study and understand a particular wildlife species in the exhibit.
Specimen collections at the facility provide information on species diversity and habitat changes, which are gathered through fieldwork, documentation, and secondary data. This means the specimens preserve as a ready reference for verification to those involved in taxonomic, distributional, and ecological observations. A fundamental principle in scientific works is that others can verify observations by one worker. The process is simplified due to the accessibility of the relevant specimens in the exhibit through the BID.
Regarding the maintenance and curation of specimens, appropriate measures are applied to protect against environmental threats such as relative humidity, temperature, radiation, and vibration. Moreover, proper handling techniques for special categories of specimens like insects, dry-stored invertebrates, and wet -preserved specimens, among others, are implemented. Regular cleaning processes for specimens are also performed to maintain the integrity of all specimens.
DIORAMA
The PBRC also features a built-in “Diorama” depicting a typical Palawan environment rich in wildlife the diorama features a scenic representation of the Palawan Forest and sea ecosystems, displaying the colorful three-dimensional wildlife species models. This entire piece is designed to catch the attention of anyone who walks by.
Palawan’s very own Pangolins (Manis culionensis), infamous for its species of mammals such as the Palawan Bearcat (Arctictis binturong whitei), a canopy-dwelling omnivore that feasts on fruits, shoots, insects, rodents, and birds found on the upper layer of their ecosystem. The Asian Palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) is a known primarily due the Kopi Liwak, which are coffee beans extracted from the feces of this animal. Finally, the Palawan Porcupine (Hystrix Pumila), a member of the old world porcupines (Hystricidae), is depicted as Palawan Hill Mynah (Gracula religiosa palawanensis) the Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematophygia), the Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei) and the Blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis) are likewise displayed in the dio