Collections

Specimens

The Department of Terrestrial Vertebrates maintains a collection of over 200,000 specimens, with some dating back to the 1800’s. This includes 53,600 mammals, 35,00 birds, and over 150,000 reptiles and amphibians. Specimens may be preserved dry skins, realistic mounted models, skeletons and skulls, feathers, fur, ornamental objects from animal products, or alcohol-preserved whole specimens. Our specimens are housed in a state-of-the-art facility at our Collections and Research Centre in Welshpool, WA.

The collections are not regularly available for public view. However, students and researchers are encouraged to contact the relevant curator for viewing of specimens relating to their field of study.

Displays

The amazing variety of Western Australian vertebrate fauna can be viewed at the WA Museum Perth Galleries (Cultural Centre Northbridge). The traditional style Mammal gallery displays fantastic beasts from around the world as well as local fauna, in spectacular full-sized mounted specimens and skeletons. Listen to the sound of Perth’s bush birds as their calls echo through the realistic diorama that is the Bird Gallery. Lively reptiles await your attention at the Discovery Centre. While patient eyes will find the live frogs hiding in the Alcoa Frog Watch frog displays. Keep coming back to see new additions and be the first to see specimens of new species of vertebrates found in Western Australia.

Tissue Samples

In addition to our collections of preserved specimens, the WA Museum also holds a collection of over 30,000 tissue samples. The majority of samples are housed in ultra-freezers, at temperatures below –75’C. Some samples are stored in ethanol and kept chilled to prevent bacterial growth and degeneration of the tissue.

DNA and molecular genetic analysis is becoming increasingly important in understanding the taxonomy of animals. It can also provide valuable data regarding distribution, migration patterns, evolutionary history and other biological information of species.

Database

All specimens at the WA Museum are linked via a registration number to the electronic database, where all the information for that specimen is stored. The database also includes observational records and notes. Access to the database can be gained by visiting Faunabase.

Database query requests from commercial operators, or searches requiring data other than information provided in Faunabase attract a fee per each search.

Identifications

Terrestrial Vertebrates staff are happy to identify specimens submitted by members of the public. Photos can be emailed to the museum through reception@museum.wa.gov.au. Animal specimens can be submitted by dropping them off to our Discovery Centre, Perth Cultural Centre, Beaufort Street Northbridge. Wrap animals in newspaper and place in sealed plastic container or bag. Please note that the WA Museum discourages people from collecting live animals. On all specimens/photos submitted include the following information:

Date found:

Observer/Collector’s name:

Location/Address:

Where it was found (on road, under tree):

Behavioural/Habitat notes:

An identification fee applies to any commercial or government body submitting specimens for voucher identifications. Public, one-off identifications are free of charge.

Scientist working in laboratory

Exhibition team creating a mould of a baby True's Beaked Whale.