The American University of Beirut holds scientifically priceless collections of specimens of the animals and plants of Lebanon and the region. These collections are known, respectively, as the Natural History Museum and the Post Herbarium. For many years, these collections have been under the care of the Biology Department which has managed to curate and maintain them.

These unique resources for scientific research and education are the only collections that represent the biodiversity of our area. We are working to make these more accessible for research and teaching, and to expand on a regular basis in order to accurately reflect the region's faunal and floral life.