Palestine Museum of Natural History

Bethlehem University’s Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) and Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) are developing rapidly with a focus on research, education, and conservation.

The 12-dunum site is being developed into a botanical and herbal garden of native plants and trees. Visitors can observe wildlife by the eco-pond inhabited by water turtles, frogs, fish, crabs, and water snails, and frequented by birds, bees (from onsite beehives), dragonflies, bats, and even foxes. An outdoor aviary houses some birds and provides a space for rehabilitation.

The museum maintains a collection of over 6,000 animal specimens as well as living scorpions, spiders, snakes, lizards, and mealworm colonies. An expanding physical and digital library of books, photographs, and documentation provide a rich resource for biodiversity research and conservation.

The museum is primarily volunteer run and visitations are by arrangement.  Visitors (especially groups) are encouraged to call in advance to arrange a visit.