No Environmental DNA probes for four believed extinct species in Western Australia 2026.

Department of Biodiversity,Conservation and Attractions Office of the Director General. Mr Michael Moss [e-mail]. Dear Mr Moss ENVIRONMENTAL eDNA OFFICIAL. I refer to your email dated 13 November 2025 to the Minister for the Environment ,Hon Matthew Swinbrourn MLC regarding environmental DNA. The Minister has asked that I respond on his behalf. I appreciate your interest in this technology and your acknowledgement of the important work undertaken in this area by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).DBCA recognises the expanding role of eDNA as a complementary tool for biodiversity monitoring, threatened species monitoring, threatened species management and improving ecological understanding. DBCA's research scientists continue to develop and apply these methods in collaboration with universities, museums and other external research partners. Regarding the mammal species historically recorded from Western Australia and now listed as extinct, these classifications are based on decades of survey effort, historical records, and the absence of verified detections over several decades. While it is acknowledged that undetected presence is theoretically possible for any species, the likelihood of survival of these particular mammals is considered very low. Any future claims of rediscovery would require rigorous and independent validation before changes to the conservation status could be considered. In relation to the potential development of targeted genetic assays from museum specimens, DBCA collaborates with Australian museums and research institutions where suitable material exists and where such work aligns with current conservation priorities. The feasibility of generating reliable markers from historical specimens can vary. DBCA must prioritise eDNA development that support its focus on threatened species recovery and ecological monitoring. DBCA also recognises the valuable contribution of citizen scientists to biodiversity projects, and the Department continues to explore opportunities for responsible community participation in programs where scientific integrity and quality assurance can be maintained. Thank you for writing to the Minister on this matter and your interest in Western Australia's biodiversity and the technologies to support its conservation. Yours sincerely Peter Dans Acting DIRECTOR GENERAL 9 January 2026. Our ref MINI 640-25 Enquiries: Katrlna Waiton Phone/ Email 0892/99074 Katrina. Waiton dbca.wa.gov.au 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151 Post: Locked Bag 104, Bentley DC WA 6983 Phone: [phone] Website: dbca.wa.gov. auFootnote.I contacted the department recently for their Edna Laboratory to create probes to facilitate water sampling EDNA for the following four species in Western Australia.1.Crescent Nailtail Wallaby (Onychogalea lunata): The last recorded individual was killed in 1956 in the central Australian region, which includes parts of Western Australia. 2.Southern Pig-footed Bandicoot (Chaeropus ecaudatus): Last reliably dated individual collected in 1901 in WA, though unconfirmed sightings continued until the 1950s in the Gibson Desert.3.Desert Bandicoot (Perameles eremiana): Presumed extinct, with the last specimen collected in WA in 1943 from the arid interior.4.Lesser Stick-nest Rat (Status & WA Connection)Extinction Timeline: Last confirmed sighting on mainland Australia was 1933, though it probably survived in remote areas until the 1940s, with unconfirmed reports as late as 1970. WA Presence: It once inhabited the Gibson Desert and Gascoyne region of Western Australia before its decline.Footnote. I completed the probe process with company EnviroDNA for the Tasmanian tiger in 2020 https://www.envirodna.com/resources/n...Also my previous video with the West Australian conservation department regarding Environmental DNA screening for thylacine. • Western Australian state government conser...