01/09/2022 - Have you ever spotted a platypus in the wild? It’s a magical moment. The elusive creature is iconic in Australia, yet with numbers dwindling, spotting one is becoming an even rarer occurrence. Thankfully we have many Tasmanian Landcare volunteers active in platypus habitat.
The Australian Conservation Network is partnering with the National Landcare Network and calling you calling on you and your Landcare groups to head down to your local creek or river, find a quiet place on the bank, try to spot a platypus and record what you see, or don’t see!
It’s all part of the platy-project month of action, brought to you by the Australian Conservation Foundation and researchers at UNSW. Participating in the platy project not only supports the platypus, it's also a great way to get your Landcare groups active in important citizen science projects.
How does this help the platypus?
Even though the platypus is one of our most unique and iconic animals, there are big gaps in our knowledge about the creature, including where it lives and how big platypus populations are.
“Even though the platypus is one of our most unique and iconic animals, there are big gaps in our knowledge about the creature, including where it lives and how big platypus populations are. With platypus numbers declining, the lack of existing platypus data is a huge barrier to getting the protection it needs from extinction.”
To take part, register here for an easy-to-follow toolkit and access to the interactive platy-project map. The map shows where the best places near you are to try and spot a platypus, and lets you record your platypus sightings (if you’re lucky enough to see one) or your attempted sightings. You can even register and host a platypus month of action surveying event by getting a group together for a relaxing outdoor activity that also gives back to our environment.
Read more about the platy-project or sign up now to take part in September.
For any questions about the platy-project month of action, please don't hesitate to reach out [email protected]
Image credit: Broken River, Grumpy Turtle
