Platypus Pals is an exciting new Citizen Science project for Spring 2020.
With funding support from the Australian Government's Communities Environment Program, the project will engage the Campbelltown community in platypus conservation along the Georges River through:
- Installing platypus educational signs at hotspots along the Georges River
- Developing a long term Citizen Science program with community members to monitor and record sighting via the PlatypuSPOT website and app
- Undertaking surveys in September and October to collect water samples from selected sites along the Georges River and its key tributaries to test for Platypus DNA.
Platypus DNA Data
The Platypus Pals project will use environmental DNA (eDNA) to test for the presence and strength of Platypus DNA in the water.
These samples will be sent to the lab where this exciting new scientific technology will be used to investigate the presence of platypuses and determine their current distribution along the Georges River.
Data captured from this project will also help staff investigate the key issues that will ensure any platypus discovered are helped to thrive. These could include targeting areas for pollution reduction, habitat enhancement, environmental restoration works, opera house yabby trap intervention and education with river users such as anglers.
All data will be forwarded to the Great Australian Platypus Search and PlatypuSPOT which forms part of the national assessment to improve the health of platypus across Australia.
For more information please contact us via bushcare@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au or on 0447 234 373.