Late winter is the ideal time to spot platypuses, and Canberrans are invited to join one of 28 group surveys this month to better understand platypus numbers in ACT rivers and creeks. 

The one-hour surveys will take place at dawn and dusk in the Upper Murrumbidgee area. More than 300 spots are available.

“The surveys are a great opportunity for citizen-scientists to learn how to spot a platypus while also helping researchers monitor local populations,” Rebecca Vassarotti, Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management, said. 

Waterwatch ACT will run four free platypus-spotting walks on the Queanbeyan River and Lower Molonglo River. 

“Platypus, known as mulanggang in Ngunnawal language, are iconic creatures,” Waterwatch regional facilitator Daniel Harris-Pascal said. “Their presence signifies healthy landscapes and waterways. Citizen-scientists in the Upper Murrumbidgee have monitored platypus and rakali [Australian water-rat] 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. 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.”

“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,” Ms Vassarotti said.