In the basement of Launceston’s QVMAG at Royal Park are hidden treasures that provide a cross section of biodiversity of state, national and international interest. Only 1% of the collection is on public display.
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QVMAG curator of natural science David Maynard said the collection of zoology, botany and geology had the aim of preserving “a record of biodiversity.”
This year the QVMAG is celebrating its 125th birthday but many items concealed in a myriad of boxes, trays and cabinets predate 1891.
Mr Maynard said researchers from around the world visit QVMAG as part of ongoing research.
Mr Maynard’s focus area is the marine environment but notes that each curator has a unique passion.
“There is so much more to discover, we still know very little,” Mr Maynard said.
He encouraged more students to undertake science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Without them we won’t discover biodiversity and what we are doing to it. We have already lost so many species.”
