Species search

The Qld Wildlife API is being replaced

Please note that the Qld Wildlife API will soon be replaced with a new API. The new API is currently planned to be released in May 2025. Please come back to this webpage for updates. If you have any questions or feedback, please email wildnet@des.qld.gov.au

Searches for species names from the Department of Environment and Science's WildNet database by matching scientific and all recorded common names. The search returns a list of matches if the search text is found or if it sounds like a species name.

Species profile search can be used to access species information (by name or a taxonomy search) approved for release from the WildNet database.

The Conservation status of Queensland wildlife dataset that is generated weekly can be accessed to obtain a complete list of the current taxonomy from the WildNet database.

Mandatory Variables
kingdom: A kingdoms common name. For a current list access Get kingdom names.
species: All or part of the scientific name or common name.

Optional Variables
class: A class scientific name. For a current list of classes access Get class names.
family: A scientific family name. For a current list access Get family names.
f: The format of the response. There are 3 possible options; json, xml and csv. Json is the default if 'f' is not set.

Output Field Descriptions
TaxonID: The unique identifier for the taxon within the WildNet database.
ScientificName: The scientific name for the taxon.
AcceptedCommonName: The preferred common name for the taxon (if provided).
KingdomName: The scientific name for the kingdom.
KingdomCommonName: The common name for the name (if provided).
ClassName: The scientific name for the class.
ClassCommonName: The common name for the class (if provided).
FamilyName: The scientific family name.
FamilyCommonName: The common name for the family (if provided).

Example outputs
- JSON: (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=wallum
- XML: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=wallum&f=xml
- CSV: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=wallum&f=csv

Example using different inputs (csv format specified)

• Phascolarctos cinereus (koala) (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=Phascolarctos cinereus&f=csv

• Animal species that contain the name treefrog (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=treefrog&f=csv

• Animal species that contain the name treefrog (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=treefrog&f=csv

• Plant species that contain the name Acacia (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=plants&species=acacia&f=csv

• Frog species that contain the name mcdonald (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=animals&species=mcdonald&class=amphibia&f=csv

• Mimosaceae species that contain the name bancroft (default): https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species/?op=speciessearch&kingdom=plants&species=bancroft&family=Mimosaceae&f=csv