Collections

The Australian Museum Mammal collection was formed in the mid 1800s and has grown to become one of the most comprehensive collections of Australasian mammals in the world. It currently contains approximately 39 000 specimens from over 80 different countries. The majority of specimens, some 24 000 are from Australia, with a further 9 000 from Papua New Guinea, 2 500 from Indonesia and 2 400 from the Solomon Islands. The collection is a national treasure that has enormous scientific, historical and educational value.

Study skins of Spotted-tailed Quolls, Dasyurus maculatus.

Study skins of small mammals (like these Antechinus) are stored in taxonomic and numerical order inside compactus.

Very few of the mammals housed in the Museum's collections are on public display. Most specimens are held in storage areas and accessed by Museum staff and visiting researchers. The Mammal collection is stored in different locations depending on how the specimens have been prepared and their storage requirements. Most 'dry' specimens (such as skins, skulls and skeletons) are held in sealed cabinets in a compactus system. The temperature and humidity conditions are controlled and pests monitored. Other dry specimens such as whale skeletons are stored off-site because there is limited space at the Museum. Specimens stored in alcohol ('spirit specimens') are housed in areas with special safety features.

Mammal collection area showing how skins, skulls and skeletons are stored.

Large specimens such as these whale skulls, are stored at the Museum's off-site storage.

Australian Museum Mammals

Collections