Platypus numbers are declining, and sadly this unique creature is now at risk of extinction.
This September, we’re asking our community to head down to our local creek or river, find a quiet place on the bank, try to spot a platypus and record what we see.
It’s all part of the platy-project – a citizen-science project from ACF and the University of New South Wales – that aims to fill the gaps in our understanding of where this elusive animal lives, so that we can better protect it.
Check the project website https://platy-project.acf.org.au/ to read more about the project and look at the map of habitat and sightings.
Following the Launch Event along Mullum Creek on 3rd September Chisholm Group will be having another event on Ruffey Creek, Templestowe Lower. Platypus are often seen at Wombat Bend where Ruffey Creek joins the Yarra. They have sometimes been seen in the Ruffey Creek valley, so we will meet on the creek bank next to Mellisa Cakes Cafe Bar, where there was a platypus sighting in 2016 and then spread out along the creek bank.
The best times to see platypus are dawn and dusk so start time is 4:30 pm, with a briefing. After that we’ll spread out along the trail to access the creek both north and south of Parker St to watch for platypus until sunset around 6:10 pm.
If you want to learn more about the platy project and the platypus beforehand, then come to the launch webinar on Thursday 1 September at 6:30pm. RSVP here: https://www.acf.org.au/platy-project-launch
Remember that recording where playpus are no longer found is just as important as where they are now. After joining any of our events we hope you will be motivated to continue looking by yourself in other waterways near you.