Species conservation center opens at NTHU

2015/06/03

A species conservation and research center opened May 28 at National Tsing-Hua University in Hsinchu City, underscoring public and private sector efforts promoting sustainable biodiversity in Taiwan.

The NTHU College of Life Science-based facility focuses on enhancing environment and wildlife conservation education, as well as showcasing results of related university research.

Center director and NTHU life sciences professor Li Chia-wei said the center will cultivate student interest in related disciplines, fostering greater appreciation for the importance of environmental protection in species breeding and conservation.

“A highlight is an exhibition area featuring nearly 100 Bromeliaceae species provided by Pingtung County-based Dr. Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center, as well as fossils, specimens and a rare meteorite from 4.5 billion years ago,” Li said.

Other must-see attractions include a collection of 5,000-plus beetle specimens and a complete set of proceedings of the Royal Society of the U.K.

Li, who was honored with an outstanding achievement award by NTHU at the center’s opening ceremony for contributions to the advancement of life sciences studies, is considered the architect of KBCC.

Launched in 2008, the facility in southern Taiwan houses more than 26,000 species in 14 categories and families of subtropical and tropical plants. Plans are afoot to increase this to 30,000 by 2020, with the long-term goal of reintroducing endangered species into the wild.

Separately, the center concluded a memorandum of understanding with KBCC and Taipei Zoo on collaboration and exchanges spanning biodiversity education and research, species archiving and talent cultivation.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=230983&ctNode=413)