The Platy Project

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The Australians Platyus is a unique animal in that it is one of the five species of monotremes; that is, mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to their young. Although cute looking with a duckbill and beaver-type tail, the male of the species has a spur on his hind foot that can deliver a nasty venom, which is capable of causing severe pain to humans.

As a special icon to Australia, the Platypus features on the reverse side of the Australian twenty-cent piece and is also the animal emblem of New South Wales. Today the Platypus is a legally protected species but due to declining numbers across Australia, many environment groups and councils are coming together to help protect this unique Australian mammal.

Photo courtesy of The Platy-Project Website

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has advised that the Brisbane City Council is teaming up with the Australian Conservation Foundation’s (ACF) Platy-Project Campaign to gather information about the local Platypus population in our creeks and streams. Throughout July and August, the Council asks residents who live near freshwater creeks to have fun and go “Platypus spotting”. Then record what you see or do not see on the Platy-Project website. July and August are the best months for spotting the Platypus as it is their breeding season, and they are most active - the best time to see them is early in the morning or at dusk.

Once numbers are known in certain areas, then Council can identify threats including water quality, what sort of habitat they are living in, and what way can help increase numbers and preserve these animals. Poor water quality, litter, and vegetation loss are just some of the threats to the species.

Over previous years, the Platypus has been spotted in Albany Creek, Moggill Creek, Bullockhead, Sandy Creek, Kholo Creek, and Pullen Pullen Creek, so if this is an interest of yours, please join other Brisbane residents helping with the number count. Even if you see a zero sighting, this is still important as it shows where and where Platypuses are in the Greater Brisbane region.

For more information on this interesting adventure, please go to the website where maps are given to help you look for the Platypus in Brisbane and also provide further details to take with you on your search. All results of the project will be published on the website .

The Brisbane City Council also works alongside Wildlife Queensland to local the Platypus by using water sampling to detect their unique DNA.

This excursion can be fun for the whole family while also getting out for exercise in beautiful Brisbane.

#animals & Wildlife
#nature
#fun Things to Do
#family
#outdoor


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