Natural Sciences
The Natural Sciences collections of the MAGNT are a permanent record of the Territory's biological wealth and natural heritage.
They include more than 165,000 lots containing an estimated 1.2 million specimens of minerals and rocks, meteorites, fossils, and all major groups of living animals, with a geographic emphasis on central and northern Australia and the adjacent Southeast Asian region. The collections support the MAGNT's research, display and education programs.
Research in the natural sciences at MAGNT is in three main areas:
Earth Sciences
Study of the unique Geology and Palaeontology of central and northern Australia, centred on the internationally significant fossil beds at Alcoota, central Australia.
The earth sciences program also includes supporting research on the stratigraphy and paleoenvironment of central and northern Australia, and on tektite and meteorite discoveries in the Northern Territory.
Taxonomy and Systematics
Description of new species of animals and improved understanding of the taxonomy, systematics and evolutionary relationships of the Northern Territory's marine, freshwater and terrestrial fauna.
Research is focused on animal groups that are of biogeographical, ecological or economic significance, including sponges (Porifera), soft corals (Cnidaria), marine worms (Annelids), molluscs (Malacology), spiders (Arachnids), fishes (Ichthyology), and reptiles, frogs, birds and mammals (Terrestrial Vertebrates).
Biodiversity
Study of the biological diversity and natural history of northern and central Australia through field survey and collection of the terrestrial, marine and freshwater aquatic fauna of our region. Much work is undertaken in conjunction with other government agencies and research institutions.
Many of the collections resulting from this work, such as echinoderms and insects (Entomology), while not actively being researched, are accessible to researchers.
Contact
Tel: +61-(0)8 8999 8264
Email: magnt@nt.gov.au
