Objectives of Research in Resource management
(A) Conservation and utilization of wildlife resources
Under the premise of conservation, timely and appropriate preservation of wildlife resources at all levels, such as the collections of genetic material, tissue, specimens, improvements of collecting and preservation techniques, as well as exploration of wildlife resources application, all the goals of research efforts. In Taiwan, about 150,000 species living in this 36,000 km2 island, now known to be about 4,400 vascular plants species, of which about a quarter is endemic plant. Due to over-
(B) Management of Ecological Education Park
For the both purposes of biological conservation and environmental education, a 3.5 hectares outdoor ecological education park (EEP) was built close to our research center. There are several different types of habitats including, such as streams, marsh and ponds, evergreen broad-leaved forest, deciduous forest, afforestation area, nectar plants area and rare and specialty plant area created along topographic change in the park. Currently, About 700 endemic or native plant species (more than 10,000 individuals) are planted. In addition to the systematic collection of germplasms, promotion of breeding and culture technology of native species in greening and gardening is one of its goals for this park. For public ecological education purpose, EEP is designed with self-guided interpretation and it welcomes all visitors.
(C) Exploration of natural compounds
Convention on biological diversity (CBD) emphasized that states have the rights over their biological resources. The development of biotechnology links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources sustainably and the results of biological conservation efforts can promote local economic development. Extractions of secondary metabolites from animals, plants and microorganisms with significant physiological activity have a long history as well as the development of drugs for therapies and the foods for health needs. In Taiwan, there is a variety of wildlife resources due to its unique geographical position; more than 4,000 native plant species, of which up to 26% of endemic species and exceeding 1,700 species of fungi are existed in this island. Among them there is > 100 species with particular efficacy. For both sustainable use of biological resources and human health and well-being and, systematical studies and effective development and utilization of new natural compounds from plenty of candidates is important and our vision of research.
(D) Establishment of biodiversity information systems
The purpose of this project is to set up a compiling database system of biodiversity information in Taiwan to integrate the existing databases in our institute. Under the framework of previous biodiversity database, the wildlife database of each city or county in Taiwan can be built and assisted by the tools and guidelines of wildlife resources survey in our Institute. The collected data in the system will be linked to Taibif and Gbif in order to facilitate international cooperation. On the other hands, the training courses are hold for volunteers who are interested with ecological conservation, and the well-trained volunteers can help for the field investigation around island and cumulate the biodiversity data. When collecting and integrating wildlife survey data around the cities and counties, the exchange mechanisms of biodiversity information between NGIS and our system will be designed to promote the sustainable applications of biodiversity information.
Chief of Management Divison: Tung-Chi Ho
Research Interests: entomology, insect ecology, conservation and habitat restoration for fireflies and ecotourism
Introduction of research fellows
Laboratory of conservation and utilization in wildlife and genetic resources | Laboratory of exploration of natural compounds | Laboratory of biodiversity informatics