This dataset contains positive environmental DNA (eDNA) detections of the endangered Giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea) from swamps across New South Wales. Records are presented at the swamp scale (whole swamp identified as potential habitat) rather than at the precise sampling location. Only positive results are included, as negative results may reflect detection limits rather than true absence. Further details of the eDNA assay development and methodology are described in Cairns et al. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.70013.

The project was jointly funded by NSW DCCEEW Surface Water Science (assay development) and the Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulations (CPHR) (testing). Swamp mapping used in this dataset is derived from Fryirs et al. (2019) https://doi.org/10.1080/00049182.2018.1449710