The giant dragonfly (Petalura gigantea) eDNA dataset comprises positive detections obtained from swamps across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Records are reported at the swamp scale (whole swamp identified as potential habitat) rather than at precise sampling locations, to protect sensitive habitats. Only positive results are included, as negative results may reflect detection limits rather than true absence.

The project was jointly funded by NSW DCCEEW Surface Water Science (assay development) and the Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulations (CPHR) (testing). Further details of the eDNA assay development and methodology are described in Cairns et al. (2025) https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.70013. Swamp mapping used in this dataset is derived from Fryirs et al. (2019) https://doi.org/10.1080/00049182.2018.1449710

How to Access the Data on the SEED Open Data Portal
This landing page provides an overview only. To view or download the data, perform the following:

1. Scroll down and click “Related Datasets” (Dataset relationship).
2. Select one of the listed datasets.
3. On that dataset’s page, the data will either be available in the Dataset Packages section (if files are attached) or in the External Links section (if the dataset redirects you to another site to view or download the data).

Note: If you would like to ask a question, make any suggestions, or tell us how you are using this dataset, please visit the NSW Water Hub which has an online forum you can join.