Canberrans are invited to join one of 28 group surveys during August to help get a better understanding of platypus numbers in the rivers and creeks in the ACT region.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said the surveys are a great opportunity for citizen-scientists to learn how to spot a platypus while also helping researchers monitor local populations.
"Late winter is the ideal time for spotting these iconic native animals, and this is done through a number of surveys over August, as well as through members of the public sending in incidental sightings," Minister Vassarotti said.
"There are over 300 spots available for the one-hour surveys, which will take place at dawn and dusk in the Upper Murrumbidgee area.
"In addition to the surveys that collect valuable data, Waterwatch will be running four free walks on the Queanbeyan River and Lower Molonglo River for people to come together with family and friends to learn more about the platypus and see if they can try to spot any in the river.
"I highly encourage anyone interested in becoming a citizen-scientist to come along to one of the surveys to help spot platypus throughout the year and also help us inform more of the community about the issues affecting platypus populations in our region," said Minister Vassarotti.
Find out how you can get involved in Platypus Month on the Waterwatch website, and take a look at where platypus have been found or report a sighting on the Platty and Ratty Portal.
Quotes attributable to Waterwatch Regional Facilitator, Daniel Harris-Pascal:
Platypus, known as "Mulanggang" in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures. Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways. Citizen-scientists in the Upper Murrumbidgee have monitored Platypus and Rakali for over a decade, providing valuable data on their distribution and habitat preferences. The Platty and Ratty portal on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website tracks sightings and can be used to log sightings at any time of year.
If you'd like to learn more, check out our platypus video on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Website. 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.
