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Biodiversity Science and Research

Science and research plays an important part in the protection of biodiversity. The Department of the Environment and Water Resources takes advice from scientists and administers a range of programs and facilities involved in scientific research into the conservation and sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity.

Access to Genetic Resources

For centuries people have utilised plants, animals and microorganisms (genetic and biochemical resources) to produce food, treat human disease, and in other ways deliver benefits to communities. Australia has international and domestic obligations relating to accessing, and sharing the benefits arising from the use of, Australia's biological resources. More about Access to Genetic Resources

Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS)

The ABRS aims to provide, through strategic partnerships, the underlying taxonomic knowledge necessary for the conservation and sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity. More about ABRS

Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG)

The ANBG maintains a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia. The plants are displayed for the enjoyment and education of visitors and are used for research into plant classification and biology. A herbarium of preserved plant specimens is closely associated with the living collection. The Gardens also cultivates plants threatened in the wild. This helps protect them against extinction and provides information which might assist re-introduction to their natural habitat. More about the ANBG

Biological Diversity Advisory Committee (BDAC)

BDAC advises the Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Water Resources on "matters relating to the conservation and ecologically sustainable use of biological diversity" (Section 505 of the EPBC Act). More about BDAC

Bird and Bat Banding

The Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme (ABBBS) helps research by supplying numbered metal bands to researchers who use bands to study birds. These bands are usually fitted around the bird's lower leg (or tarsus). More about Bird and Bat Banding

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC)

The TSSC advises the Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Water Resources on the amendment and updating of lists for threatened species, threatened ecological communities and key threatening processes, together with the making or adoption of recovery plans and threat abatement plans under the EPBC Act. More about the TSSC

Research permits

Permits are required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for:

research activities in Commonwealth Parks and reserves
research activities that affect threatened species or communities in Commonwealth areas
whales, dolphins and porpoises in Commonwealth waters and outside Australian waters
the import and export of plants, animals and other organisms
research activities involving protected species in the Territories of Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Coral Sea Islands

Find out more and apply for research permits

Export or import of specimens for research purposes

The non-commercial export or import of a specimen may be approved for scientific research if the project will result in a better understanding or increased knowledge: of the taxon; of the conservation of biodiversity; or of the maintenance and/or improvement of human health. Read more about export or import of specimens for research purposes