Join us again this spring for some citizen science - spotting a platypus (or two) and recording your observations by uploading your findings to the University of New South Wales’ platypus sighting database.
By mapping where platypus live we can track - and then prevent - declines in numbers.
Platypus are unlike any other animal found on earth, but due to habitat destruction, bushfires, drought and pollution this Aussie icon is threatened with extinction.
That’s where you can help. There are places within the platypus’ range where sightings have never been recorded, or where they haven’t been seen for a long time. These are our biggest gaps in knowledge.
You can help researchers fill these gaps by visiting these priority areas, look for platypuses, and upload your findings.
- We will meet in the park between the river and Wombat Playspace, which is accessed from the carpark off Duncan St, Templestowe Lower.
- The best times to see platypus are dawn and dusk so start time is 4:30 pm, with talks to learn more about the area and the platypus.
- After that we’ll spread out along the swing bridge and the river banks to watch for platypus until sunset around 6:20 pm.
- Please wear warm clothes, bring something to sit on (picnic blanket or small camping chair) and a torch for finding your way along the banks when it gets dark.
- The site has plenty of great sit spots along the river. Some of them are easily accessible via ramp or a slight decline, while others involve steps and a little mud. Please speak to one of our marshals after our short speeches and we'll help you find the best spot for you.
Check the platy-project website to read more about the project and look at the map of habitat and sightings.
We can’t promise you will see a platypus, but we hope you will be motivated to continue looking by yourself in other waterways near you.