The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is seeking ‘citizen scientists’ to head to local creeks and rivers to see if they can spot platypuses.
ACF wildlife campaigner Peta Bulling described why the public’s contribution is pivotal to the foundation’s survey.
“During the month of September, ACF is asking citizen scientists to see if they’re able to spot platypuses in the Campaspe and Murray rivers,” Ms Bulling said.
The data will provide researchers a better understanding of the mysterious animal’s natural habitat.
“Some of the reasons platypuses are disappearing are due to climate change, human activity, such as urban sprawl which negatively impacts on the habitats of native species such as the platypus,” Ms Bulling said.
The project will give residents an opportunity to brave the early mornings and late afternoons and provide ACF a better understanding of the local ecology giving the threatened species a leg up.
“Currently, the platypus is only protected in South Australia and Victoria,” Ms Bulling said.
“In 2020 the ACF tried to have the platypus placed on the threatened species list at a national level, unfortunately this was knocked back due to insufficient data regarding their distribution.”
Ms Bulling plans on a long and rewarding career with ACF, as the organisation looks to improve the knowledge of endemic wildlife and the environment.
“I’ve had several years’ experiences with the Conversation Council in the ACT region, and since joining the organisation in May, I’ve been able to work on the long-term survival of the platypus,” Ms Bulling said.
The platypus uses electronic impulses to detect underwater prey and locate objects in the dark depths of creeks and rivers in which they live.
Ms Bulling and ACF have a great deal of work ahead of them and appreciate any help provided by the community.
“Going forward, we’re hopeful to have a better understanding of the threatened species and able to understand the various populations at a local level,” Ms Bulling said.
“We are a nationally based NFP, and our projects are funded by generous community members that work to ensure the survival of threatened endemic species.”
For additional information from the Australian Conservation Foundation, head to https://www.acf.org.au/platy-project