Wild Collections by Andrea Wild

Did dinosaurs get bitten by mosquitoes? Can honeybees become botanists? Why would anyone collect worm bums? And can we find DNA in the air?

Wild Collections explores some of the fascinating, strange and unique stories behind more than 15 million specimens cared for within CSIRO’s National Research Collections Australia. More than just pinned insects and pressed plants, these are stories of scientific discovery and cutting-edge research. This book offers us a rare glimpse into the world-class collections and the wonders they contain.

Go behind the scenes to discover species lost, found and saved, and the evolving knowledge and techniques it takes to record and understand our unique biodiversity. And meet some of the amazing scientists using this knowledge to protect and conserve our natural world.

‘Our people have hundreds of stories to tell you. CSIRO is a magical place. In this inspiring book you’ll discover why.’ Dr Doug Hilton AO, Chief Executive, CSIRO

Explore CSIRO’s National Research Collections, its fascinating specimens and stories.

About the Author:

Andrea Wild is a science communicator who works with the natural history collections at CSIRO. She also writes about natural history for children.

01 Aug 2025
 

Wild Collections: Specimens, Stories and Science from CSIRO by Andrea Wild ISBN 9781486318810