A short-term goal in entomology is to integrate into the museum archives a historical collection of insect specimens and literature inherited from the former Division of Conservation and Entomology.  This collection consists of 7,522 insect specimens that were collected in Belau and neighboring islands beginning in 1945.  A total of 14 taxonomic Orders and 145 taxonomic Families of insects are represented in this collection.  Approximately 11% of the specimens are identified to the Genus and species levels (817 identified specimens).  The remaining specimens are sorted to the Family level and must be further identified to Genus and species by museum staff and associates.

The long-term goal in entomology is to assemble a permanent synoptic collection of preserved, scientifically valid specimens that represents the insect biodiversity of Belau.  A complete synoptic collection contains a representative series of specimens of each resident species from each locality where the species is found, as well as additional series of specimens that represent seasonal or other natural variations in morphology, range, distribution or population density.

This synoptic collection will serve many important functions:

1. As a valuable, permanent record of the biodiversity of the invertebrate terrestrial fauna of Belau.

2. As a secure repository for scientifically valuable specimens such as type specimens of endemic species and voucher specimens deposited by principle investigators of scientific research projects.

3. As a resource for public museum displays, publications and other educational and outreach activities.

4. As a repository for specimens that are examples of culturally important insects, spiders and other arthropods.

5. As a valuable resource for the development, evaluation and management of conservation and education programs because it contains:

   1. Baseline data for evaluating and managing biodiversity programs

   2. Resources for displays and education/outreach activities

   3. Working collections for scientific research

   4. Regulatory reference specimens to aid in detecting and controlling invading species
       

	Birds
	Ethnobotany
	Herbarium

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