Scientific collections at the Precinct

Image of freshwater clams.Open larger image

Freshwater clams.

Photo credit: © Queensland Government.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Collection

The Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Collection consists of aquatic macroinvertebrates from rivers, streams, springs, wetlands, and other Queensland freshwater sources. The collection started in the mid-1990s as a legacy of both past and ongoing river condition or health monitoring programmes in Queensland. As many samples were collected prior to the construction of dams these samples represent an irreplaceable record of past biodiversity.

Read more about the Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Collection | Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.

Photo of specimens from the Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium and Insect Collection. Image © Queensland Government.Open larger image

Specimens from the Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium and Insect Collection.

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium and Insect Collection

The Plant Pathology Herbarium and Insect Collection holds specimens of most of the known fungal pathogens of plants and insects, as well as insect pests that occur in Queensland. These collections support the reliable and accurate identification of plant diseases and insect pests in Queensland.

Supporting the Biosecurity Act 2014, the collections enhance Queensland's biosecurity through the early detection of new and emerging plant diseases and pests.

Read more about the Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium and Insect Collection | Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.

Photo of an antique chair from the Wood Reference Collection. Image © Queensland Government.Open larger image

The Wood Reference Collection is invaluable as the provenance of a specific piece can influence how its value is determined.

Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Wood Reference Collection

The Wood Reference Collection is the oldest collection of authenticated wood specimens (also known as a xylarium or xylotheque) in Australia and the third largest in the nation. It consists of 21 separate collections of wood block samples, including 17 international collections, and a glass slide collection of timber microstructure sections. Together, they provide a comprehensive reference collection for Queensland timbers, some national and international timbers, and their anatomical characteristics.

Read more about DAF’s Wood Reference Collection | Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.