Wildlife database WildNet unveils sleek new look

• The WildNet website is a gateway for the public, industry and government users to discover Queensland’s unique flora and fauna, with more than 40,000 species on record. 
• In the first 24 hours of the new WildNet launch, 930 Australian members accessed the platform. 
• The $4.7 million project was jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments. 

Researchers, conservationists, and the public can now explore and protect Queensland’s ecological treasures more easily, thanks to the revamped WildNet database, which showcases more than 40,000 species across the state in a more user-friendly format.  

The WildNet website offers users detailed information on Queensland flora and fauna, providing identification, description and location details on native and naturalised plants and animals regulated under State and Commonwealth legislation. 

The resource is designed to support a wide range of users, from the public to government professionals, in their efforts to conserve and protect Queensland’s unique biodiversity, such as assisting with scientific advancement and improving conservation results. 

The newest feature added to the platform – advanced search filters, enhances accessibility and usability by allowing users to customise their searches and more quickly find species information.  

Between 30 to 50 species lists are downloaded each day from the platform.  

In the first 24 hours of its launch, nearly 1,000 people accessed WildNet.  

The $4.7 million project led by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) team, received a significant boost with $2.9 million in funding from the Queensland Government and an additional $1.8 million from the Commonwealth Government through Environment Information Australia. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the Queensland Government had reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation by providing funding to enhance WildNet and ensure the protection and management of Queensland's unique wildlife.  

“WildNet is designed to inspire curiosity and support conservation efforts, empowering users to retrieve data quickly and efficiently,” Minister Powell said.  

“Thanks to the DETSI science team, the new-look WildNet opens the door for wildlife enthusiasts and conservation professionals to explore Queensland’s rich natural heritage like never before. 

“With its modern features and improved usability, the new WildNet platform represents a step forward in biodiversity data management.” 

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the Albanese Government is working collaboratively with State and Territory Governments to deliver improved environmental information that is good for business and good for the environment. 

“This critical wildlife database is used by the public, industry and governments to access information on more than 40,000 species of Queensland’s fauna and flora,” Minister Watt said. 

“The $1.8 million contribution from the Albanese Government, through Environment Information Australia, allows for users to search WildNet more quickly to find species information. This will make accessing species data for environmental approvals easier and faster for Queensland project applicants.”