National Agricultural Insect Collection
The National Agricultural Insect Collection is a reference insect collection of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) of Papua New Guinea. The collection contains a large number of insect specimens (~200,000) collected from all over Papua New Guinea. The specimen records contain information on distribution, host ranges and pest statuses, which can be used as reference information for identification.
The collection was originally established in the early 1960s and was located at Konedobu at the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) headquarters and was known as the Central Research Insect Collection (CRIC). Most of the specimens deposited here resulted from agricultural pest surveys in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1997, it was relocated to its current location at Kila Kila after AusAid funded the new building and was named the National Insect Collection (NIC). The building houses both wet and dry insect specimens and a herbarium with some 10,000 plant specimens. In September 1998, it was handed over to the newly funded National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI). In December 2000, the name was further changed from the National Insect Collection (NIC) to National Agricultural Insect Collection (NAIC), the name which it currently holds to reflect on NARI's primary functions which mainly focuses on the insects of agricultural importance.
Linkages
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NAIC has links with a number of institutions and organizations both within Papua New Guinea and abroad.
The institutions and organizations within Papua New Guinea include:
- The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG)
- New Guinea Binatang Research Centre (BRC), Madang
- National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA)
- Office of Environment and Conservation- Wildlife Enforcement Branch
- World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)
Its linkages abroad include:
- British Natural History Museum (BNHM)
- Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC)
- Bishop Museum (BM)
- Queensland Museum (AM)
- Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
- Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS)
- Smithsonian Institute, Washington
What services does NAIC provide?
NAIC provides the following services:
- Identification of insect specimens
- Facilitate insect taxonomic studies in Papua New Guinea
- Supply information on distribution, life cycle, host preferences and other necessary information about insects
- Provide information on distribution and pest status of insects for quarantine purposes
- Help establish linkages with collections abroad for identification services
- Shows a glimpse of the insect biodiversity richness in PNG
The current major activity is the development of a database for all insect specimens gathered and preserved at the collection. This database will help facilitate the availability of the insect collection in electronic forms such as CDs to clients.
Who can use NAIC?
NAIC's services are open to any individuals, institutions, corporate organizations or private companies involved in agricultural research and production. The services are also extended to individuals and organizations (such as NGOs) that are involved in systematic, biodiversity, biological and ecological studies and surveys of insects.
Where is NAIC located?
The National Agricultural Insect Collection is part of the NARI and NAQIA facilities, located within the fenced station on the corner of Pari and Gavamani Roads, Kila Kila, in the National Capital District. It is the white building through the first gate from Sabama bus stop turn off.
For further information, contact the
Insect Collection Curator at:
For further information, contact: The National Agricultural Insect Collection P.O Box 8277, BOROKO National Capital District Papua New Guinea Phone: (675) 321 0218 Fax: (675) 320 2411 Email: nariinsectory@nari.org.pg