By Tanya Steele
Landcare groups have united for the iconic platypus and invite the community to come learn how to spot the elusive mammal.
Grassroots citizen scientists can take part in the platypus survey on the Little Yarra on Saturday 21 October.
The free event marks the return of official data collection to that area of the river after a nearly 20 year hiatus.
Healesville Environmental Wach Inc (HEWI) president Karen Garth estimates that surveys haven’t been done in the area since 2002 and said the evening will immensely help data collection for tracking platypus numbers.
“There’s only been some incidental sightings throughout the area – people out walking that just happened to see them, we want to have people out there looking more frequently,” she said.
The three-part evening will consist of a get together at the the Yarra Junction Bowling Club, a spotting session at the river and finish with sharing the data collected and a presentation from Melbourne Water.
HEWI has partnered with Upper Yarra Landcare for the event and Ms Garth said this time of year is one of the peak times to spot them.
“We hope that means that people when they are next walking around the area wherever the stream is, they will know how to look for platypus and also importantly record their observations,” she said.
“They are still mating now and the males are moving around a lot more.”
People can always upload platypus sightings up to mobile apps such as Inaturalist or Platypus Spot.
“We will also mention some frogs apps on the night, we will probably hear them,” Ms Garth said.
Platypus knowledge is still fragmented in parts and Ms Garth said that we need to fill in some of those gaps.
“The gaps are hindering conservation funding and research,” she said.
Ms Garth said she is looking forward to helping people learn to spot the river animals and teach them about the local environment.
“If they don’t know what’s there, then you can’t appreciate it and you can’t care for it,” she said.
The evening is a real chance for community level engagement and Ms Garth said all over the age of six and up are welcome.
“We will be sitting quietly by fast moving water, I have scouted along and picked a few places for the event,” she said.
Please RSVP by Thursday 19 October for catering and site planning to Karen at admin@hewi.org.au or 0418 999 936 — children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
BYO a fold up chair, snack, torch and binoculars if you have some.
Wear warm clothing and covered footwear, and bring insect repellent.
