ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) at picturesque portion of the Federal Capital is the only opportunity for the nature lovers to get a taste of rare glimpses of wildlife.

With a huge display of flora and fauna, the museum occupies various galleries including Bio Gallery, Tethys Gallery, Gemstone Gallery, Eco Gallery and Palaeo Gallery with a number of research sections.

Established in 1976 under the patronage of Pakistan Science Foundation, Ministry of Science and Technology, the museum is an excellent educational and recreational facilities for the students and youngsters to get a detailed information of natural history, said an official of the museum.

The displays and exhibits are the source of attraction as species of various animals, birds and plants of different regions have been gathered for research work.

From salt range and ocean life to gem stones, the museum depicts animals, birds and plants ranging from Alpine heights to Seashores of Pakistan, minerals, rocks, fossils and precious stones, Earth Sciences, Zoological Sciences, Botanical Sciences and Pre- historic Wildlife of Pakistan.

Huge skeleton of whale and a model of dinosaur is the most eye catching display of the museum that brings students, visits of school children and foreigners to the appreciate the galleries.

While three-dimensional Dioramas highlight problems of air, noise, soil and water pollution, problems of deforestation, fire, soil erosion, problems of over-fishing, over-hunting and over- grazing, problems of water logging, salination and desertification.

There are more than 30 scientists and designers who are engaged in research primarily pertaining to the biodiversity of Pakistan with special reference to environment and natural habitat degradation.

The Virtual Orientation Gallery (VOG) project is the latest addition to the Display Centre of the museum which is directly related to the national priorities in terms of the conservation strategies of the biodiversity of Pakistan.

VOG aims at providing inter-active electronic based information to students and general public on Pakistan natural resources i.e. flora, fauna, minerals and fossils, said the official.

VOG complements the existing information and awareness related activities and features of PMNH including dioramas in various galleries, film shows, posters, brochures, workshops, seminars and lectures.