The platypus is one of Australia's most amazing animals. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that its numbers are declining. We urgently need to know where platypus live – where they are common and where they have disappeared.The platypus is one of Australia's most amazing animals. Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that its numbers are declining. We urgently need to know where platypus live – where they are common and where they have disappeared.
PlatypusWatch is a community-based program that aims to document where platypus occur so that we can develop a reliable 'snapshot' of platypus populations.
We will use this information to identify where conservation actions are needed – now and in the future – to protect this very special animal.
Platypus live up and down the east coast of Australia and inland from the Dividing Range but we know little of how many live where.
With PlatypusWatch, if you live near where platypus live (in Queensland), you can watch out for these amazing monotremes and tell us what you see.
If we can find out where platypus live, we can help plan for appropriate development that is less likely to impact on our platypus populations. Our PlatypusWatch records are entered into a database that is used only for genuine conservation purposes.
Sharing your knowledge about platypus sightings with PlatypusWatch will not cause any problems for the animals concerned. Indeed, the biggest problem facing platypus conservation is human ignorance – starting with the fact that people are often unaware that their actions can have a major impact on animals living nearby.
Have you ever seen a platypus in the wild? If so, you can make a valuable contribution to PlatypusWatch by telling us about your previous and recent sightings using the Platypus Watch Form.
Would you like to see a platypus in the wild? Come and join a platypus survey. Wildlife Queensland promotes community involvement in conservation and occasionally run surveys to document local platypus populations. Contact us
FormsSince the launch of PlatypusWatch (previously known as PlatypusCare) by Wildlife Queensland in 2003, many groups, individuals and universities have embraced the focus on platypus by doing their own surveys, monitoring and research (some are listed below).
For more information on Wildlife Queensland's activities and campaigns, email or call us on +61 7 3221 0194.
© Wildlife Queensland April 2008