Research has confirmed that platypus have disappeared from two Logan City waterways in the last four years, but Logan City Council are trying to get locals to back a new initiative to help the species.
Researchers from the University of Queensland, the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, the University of Southern Queensland and EnviroDNA have been tracking the mammals since 2016. Findings show platypus no longer live in the Slacks Creek and Scrubby Creek waterways based on a lack of platypus environmental DNA, which researchers blame on urbanisation affecting water and habitat quality.
However, given the shy nature of platypus, community surveys like PlatypusWatch could help thr species. The eco-friendly program coordinated by Watergum with funding support from Logan City Council and the City of Gold Coast, started around 2008, and as it has expanded, more surveys have been undertaken of City of Logan’s rivers and waterways.
There are nearly 500 local community members that are part of the PlatypusWatch program, predominantly from the City of Logan and City of Gold Coast areas, with interest in the community continuing to grow in this program.
Credit: File photo.
So, what is involved?
According to Council, on an average survey, around 30 to 40 people are involved. Surveys of priority locations are usually conducted twice annually, during the platypus mating season from July to September, and during the season when baby platypus are emerging from their burrows in March to April. The surveys are done during these periods as the platypus tend to be more active and easier to spot and survey.
PlatypusWatch surveyors usually find suitable spots on the banks of the rivers and waterways, such as the upper reaches of the Albert River in the City of Logan, to observe platypus. Sometimes, as platypus are located in waterways adjacent to privately owned land, surveyors may also paddle in kayaks to gain better access to the river/creeks to conduct their surveys.
Given platypus are mostly nocturnal, much of their activity occurs at night and for that reason, dawn is regarded as the best time for people to watch and document these very shy animals.
Council has reported that interest in these events and concern for the platypus continues to grow. Since the pandemic restrictions have eased, there has been a noticeable increase in interest as more people are keen to get out into their community and involved in outdoor activities.
PlatypusWatch is one of the most popular Citizen Science programs that Council funds. The next session is on 10th April, from 5am to 10am at the Albert River. It is free to join.
To find out more, click here for PlatypusWatch.
