Why do we collect?

Dr Sandy Ingelby, Mammals Collection Manager at the Australian Museum, talks about the reasons we have so many examples of various species in our collection and how they help with conservation decisions.

Sandy allowed our cameras exclusive access into the collection and showed us some echidnas that show quite an array of variation as well as a sneak peek at a very rare type specimen of tree kangaroo.

It’s interesting to think that most of the specimens in our collection were collected before DNA identification was a possibility. Who knows what uses they’ll have in the future?

This film was mostly shot in Sandy’s office and you can’t help but notice the little friend on her desk!

This video is part of our Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.