Wildlife Queensland’s PlatypusWatch Network and Upper Dawson Branch will run two workshops in the Taroom region on 26 June 2021 for community members who would like to learn about platypuses and how they can get involved in an exciting citizen science project to document platypus populations and distribution in local waterways.
Platypus ecologist Tamielle Brunt encourages residents to learn more about this unique mammal and its cryptic lifestyle while also learning science-based skills to observe and monitor platypuses in the wild.
“This project aims to determine platypus distribution in the Upper Dawson River from Baroondah through to Theodore. We are using the environmental DNA (eDNA) method which samples the water to detect platypus DNA to verify their presence or absence at sites along the river and its tributaries. This method has revolutionised the way we can monitor this elusive species to better protect it into the future,“ says Brunt.
“We encourage community members to come along and learn about the eDNA project, see a demonstration of the water sampling technique, and learn tips to spot platypuses in local waterways and creeks.”
Interested participants can sign up to join the project to take water samples, either on their own property or at an allocated site/s.
The workshops will be followed by a community-led early morning observational survey on Sunday, 27 June to search for platypuses.
Register for these must-attend free events
PlatypusWatch in the Upper Dawson Workshop
Saturday, 26 June 2021; 9.00 – 11.00 am
Taroom Anglican Hall, Taroom
PlatypusWatch in the Upper Dawson Workshop
Saturday, 26 June 2021; 2.00 – 4.00 pm
Theodore RSL, Theodore
Proudly supported by the Queensland Government – Queensland Citizen Science Grants.