Department of Biodiversity,Conservation and Attractions Office of the Director General. Mr Michael Moss panther1966@live.com.au. 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: (08) 92199000 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...

DNP EAReplyReply allForwardTo:​You​Fri 22/08/2025 9:38 AM

OFFICIAL

Dear Michael,

Thank you for contacting the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Director of National Parks is responsible for Commonwealth reserves. These include six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and 60 Australian Marine Parks. These areas are managed either directly or in partnership with Traditional Owners, supported by Parks Australia. You can find more information about these parks at www.parksaustralia.gov.au.

Parks Australia is currently using eDNA to better understand and protect biodiversity on land and sea. This method can help us detect invasive species such as the wolf snake on Christmas Island, monitor threatened species like the great desert skink in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park and to assess biodiversity in over 15 Australian Marine Parks.

While we do not usually carry out genetic analysis ourselves, we are building our capability and working with research partners. We are collaborating with CSIRO on the National Biodiversity DNA Library to improve eDNA data across Australia. We are also working with the Minderoo Foundation to explore how eDNA can support conservation and improve access to data for park managers, researchers and the public. More information is available at marine-parks.minderoo.org.

Regarding your specific questions:

• Parks Australia uses eDNA screening in a number of national parks, including both marine and terrestrial environments. The specific locations and focus areas vary depending on the objectives of each project.
• We work in close partnership with research agencies and institutions including to encourage, contribute to, or commission science to address park management needs https://australianmarineparks.gov.au/science/science-partnerships/.
• The Tasmanian tiger (Thylacine) is not a focus of Parks Australia's current eDNA monitoring activities. Although the species may appear in some commercially available eDNA panels, our monitoring program is guided by the department’s priorities, including the Priority Species list (Priority Species - DCCEEW).

Thank you again for your interest. If you have any further questions, please find our contact information here https://parksaustralia.gov.au/about/contact-us/

Regards,

Melinda

Parks Australia

Ngunnawal Country, John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600 Australia

GPO Box 3090 ACT 2601

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

https://www.envirodna.com/resources/news/searching-for-tasmanian-tiger-dna

Hi there Michael,Please see below replies from department senior officers:Flaura/Fauna Division from Department of Lands, Planning and Environment reply as below -Hi Ian,The Department of Lands,Planning and Environment has trialed eDNA as a sampling method across multiple projects.Heres a recent example -Territory stories-Environmental DNA[eDNA] trial Rapid Creek.In the NT,I am not aware of any eDNA screening for Tasmanian tiger or any projects with Envirodna.Happy for this info to be passed on.Dr Peter McdonaldDirectorSpecies Manager/Flora and Fauna DivisionDepartment of Lands Planning and EnvironmentNorthern Territory GovernmentFloor 1 Tom Hare Building Arid Zone Research InstituteAlice Springs NTParks and Wildlife Operations Division from Department of Tourism and Hospitality reply as per below –Hi PeterYour team might be able to help with this query. Certainly Parks and Wildlife Operations is not yet utilising eDNA,not using the company mentioned or screening for the species in question in this region.Ian AngusDistrict ManagerSavannah/Gulf ParksDepartment of Tourism and HospitalityParks and Wildlife Division32 Giles Street Katherine, NT 0850-Po Box 334,Katherine,NT 0851 I hope this helps in answering your query.Many thanks.Kyesha PrestonAdministration Officer – Savannah / Gulf RegionParks and Wildlife DivisionDepartment of Tourism and HospitalityNorthern Territory Government32 Giles St, Katherine NT 0852P: +61 8973 8888E: kyesha.preston@nt.gov.auW: nt.gov.au/parks | dth.nt.gov.au32 Giles St, Katherine NT 0852