Frequently asked questions

About the program

  • The Great Australian Platypus Search 2021 has evolved to become the Great Australian Wildlife Search! The Great Australian Wildlife Search is a nationwide initiative focused on conservation through citizen science and innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. The program aims to identify and protect regions of ecological significance by leveraging the power of community participation. Using eDNA technology, the program allows volunteers, known as citizen scientists, to collect water samples from designated sites, enabling the detection of traces of DNA that wildlife shed into their environment. This will provide a necessary baseline for future monitoring and help to inform ongoing protection and conservation efforts.

  • eDNA technology works by collecting and analysing just a few samples of water, which allows the detection of traces of DNA that wildlife shed into their environment. This then helps scientists identify and locate the distribution of threatened aquatic species, such as the platypus and the Murray-River short-necked turtle, and in turn supports conservation efforts to protect them.

    View snappy 2-minute video for the full rundown.

  • We worked in partnership with La Trobe University to develop a rigorous sampling methodology to ensure a representative sample across the states. Our program partners were called upon to apply their local expertise and assist with selecting sites which are accessible for citizen scientists and will provide valuable data.

  • eDNA technology significantly enhances conservation initiatives by precisely identifying regions of ecological importance. This has the capability of informing waterway management actions and allows for targeted and strategic conservation efforts, ultimately contributing to the preservation of Australia's diverse wildlife.

  • While our initial focus is on aquatic species, the program's overarching goal is to contribute to the conservation of a broad range of Australian wildlife. The technology has the capability to detect thousands of aquatic and terrestrial species which have interacted with the aquatic environment over a 14-day period.

  • At each site, two water samples will be gathered, accompanied by specific site details to provide precise location information. The collected data is then transmitted to the EnviroDNA laboratory for analysis. The seasonal data is compiled and will be visually presented on a spatial platform, along with a comprehensive summary report. Given the substantial volume of data, the expected timeline for sharing this information will be around four months after the conclusion of the sampling season, strategically positioned before the commencement of the subsequent sampling season.

    The data from the spring season will be spatially presented to the community, along with a summary report. This information will be publicly accessible for volunteers, waterway managers, policy makers, researchers, program partners, funders and general community.

    The eDNA analysis forms a comprehensive picture of the distribution of wildlife in waterways. This information guides conservation strategies, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed to protect threatened species and their habitats.

  • Organisations interested in partnering with us can reach out through our contact page or by emailing hello@odonata.org.au. Collaborative efforts and support from organisations play a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of the program, ensuring a collective effort in wildlife conservation.

For Citizen Scientists

  • Registering to become a citizen scientist is easy! If a site near you is available, we will be in touch directly. You’ll receive your eDNA kit. Follow the provided instructions for sampling at designated sites, and you'll be contributing to vital wildlife conservation efforts in no time. 

  • Volunteers play a crucial role in the program by venturing out to designated testing sites to collect water samples for eDNA analysis. Their passion and dedication are the driving force behind the success of the Great Australian Wildlife Search. 

  • This spring, we have invited participants to retest sites of interest. However, opportunities exist to sponsor additional testing sites. We will work with our sponsors to expand the map and create more opportunities for community to get involved and generate even more valuable data. If there are no sites available near you, please register your interest to be notified of future testing seasons.

  • Absolutely! We welcome schools to become actively involved. The program offers a unique educational opportunity for students to engage in hands-on scientific exploration and contribute to real-world conservation efforts. Also, we are encouraging Scouts, Guides, and other organisations keen to make a difference, to get involved.

  • Please reach out to our team at hello@odonata.org.au and we will help you with your site reservation details, and make sure you can get out in the field to sample. 

  • Our team will help with any further information or clarification of details. Reach out to us at hello@odonata.org.au or 03 5210 8428 (9am – 5pm, 7 days during testing season). 

    The data from the spring season will be spatially presented to the community, along with a summary report. This information will be publicly accessible for volunteers, waterway managers, policy makers, researchers, program partners, funders and general community.

    The eDNA analysis forms a comprehensive picture of the distribution of wildlife in waterways. This information guides conservation strategies, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed to protect threatened species and their habitats.

  • We know phone reception can sometimes be a bit hit-and miss. You should still be able to see the latitude and longitude coordinates on your phone's map, as it uses GPS and not the phone towers.

    Take a screen shot of the coordinates, and a photo of the site while you are there.

    As soon as you are back in range upload the data!

  • Visit www.wildlifesearch.org.au/upload-data, The information you log should match the information on your sample bag being returned to the laboratory. It’s important that all records are accurate and match to ensure that the samples are accepted, and your citizen science contribution is as valuable as possible. Refer to the sampling guide provided in your kit for assistance.

  • If you encounter challenges accessing the waterway at your site, such as it being dried up, unsafe, or inaccessible, we apologise for any inconvenience and ask that you explore an alternative location. If an alternative location is visible or within walking distance, please proceed to test there and provide the new location details during data upload. If not immediately obvious, utilise map software on your phone to determine a more suitable location within approximately 4 km of the original location. .

    Once you have selected a new site, please ensure you upload the updated latitude and longitude location as part of the data submission process. This is a very important part of the process. We also ask that you add an ‘x’ to the site details on the sample bag being returned to the laboratory to indicate that a new location has been selected.

    We're here to help you complete your citizen science activity safely and successfully.