Canberrans are invited to help protect one of Australia's most iconic native animals by taking part in Platypus Month this August.
Platypus Month offers opportunities to join free dawn and dusk platypus surveys or guided Platypus Walks across the ACT and surrounding region.
With more than 400 volunteer spots available across 24 surveys at 6 locations, Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch is calling on locals to help monitor platypus populations and contribute valuable data for researchers.
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said Platypus Month was a great way for Canberrans to connect with nature while supporting conservation efforts.
"Everyone loves the Platypus and the ACT is fortunate to have platypus populations living in our local rivers and creeks. Platypus Month is an opportunity for Canberrans to get involved in protecting them," Minister Orr said.
"The information collected by volunteers helps researchers better understand the status of local platypus populations and supports ongoing conservation efforts."
Waterwatch is running free Platypus Walks every weekend throughout August, offering opportunities to learn about platypus and rakali (water rats) and see them in the wild.
"I encourage anyone with an interest in our local waterways to join a survey and become a citizen scientist. Every platypus sighting helps build a better understanding of local populations and raises awareness of the actions we can all take to protect these unique animals and their habitat," Minister Orr said.
Registrations for surveys and walks are now open via the event links.
If you see a platypus or rakali at any time, note the date, time, location and number observed, and report the sighting through the Platty and Ratty Portal, including photos if possible.
Learn more about Platypus Month on the Waterwatch website.
Quotes attributable to Regional Waterwatch Facilitator, Daniel Harris-Pascal:
“Platypus, known as “Mulanggang” in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures. Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways. August is a great time to spot them as they are more active as they get ready for the breeding season. Citizen-scientists in the Upper Murrumbidgee have monitored Platypus and Rakali for over a decade, providing valuable data on their distribution and habitat preferences. If you’d like to see where they occur,
“If you’d like to learn how to spot them, come along to one of our Platypus Walks and if you’re interested in getting more involved, come along to one of our surveys. Together we can ensure that the flora and fauna we love, continue to be a part of the Bush Capital.”
Statement ends
