Platypus Month is back again for its tenth year, and Canberrans are encouraged to pick up a pair of binoculars and monitor platypuses at dusk and dawn.

Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch will run 34 group surveys throughout August on ACT rivers and creeks to learn more about the region’s platypus population.

The one-hour surveys will take place at both dawn and dusk, so there are options for early risers and late starters alike, environment minister Rebecca Vassarotti said.

Members of the public can also report incidental sightings.

Late winter is the ideal time for spotting platypus as they spend more time feeding, and the males are more active as they prepare for the breeding season.

“The presence of platypus in our rivers indicates the health of our river system and its water quality, and late-winter is an ideal time to spot platypus as they forage for food and seek out a mate,” Waterwatch regional facilitator Daniel Harris-Pascal said.

Citizen-scientists help researchers understand the population status of these iconic native animals, Ms Vassarotti said.

“With almost 300 spots to fill on the surveys, this work could not be done without volunteers. Our citizen scientists not only collect valuable data, but they also become great champions who can help spot platypus outside the survey times.”

Mr Harris-Pascal agrees.

“Over the 10 years that Waterwatch has been running Platypus Month, the work of volunteer citizen scientists has helped to build an understanding of regional platypus populations and demonstrate what is happening with our local populations of platypus over time,”

“In its first year, only four surveys were conducted, but the program has grown to over 34 surveys undertaken by almost 300 volunteers with the help of our regional catchment groups.”

Find out how you can get involved in Platypus Month on the Waterwatch website.