THE results of a regionwide platypus survey by citizen scientists have been released.<\/p>\n
Geelong Landcare Network participated in the exercise which aimed to gather current data around the presence of platypus in waterways between the Upper Barwon, and Moorabool catchments, using environmental DNA techniques.<\/p>\n
About 60 volunteers contributed, assessing the Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool rivers from 38 locations, creating the biggest regional platypus data set in Victoria.<\/p>\n
Environmental scientist Josh Griffiths said the statistics of each river were contrasting, with more platypus detected in the Leigh and Moorabool rivers, compared to the Barwon between Geelong and Winchelsea.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe base flow rates in both the Leigh and Moorabool rivers are much more consistent than those in the Barwon, which in recent years has even ceased to flow along a number of reaches during summer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlatypus need consistent water flow to be able to move freely up and down rivers and creeks in order to breed and thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past 50 years, only 50 to 60 sightings of platypus had been recorded in this region, so historically we have had very limited data. The Leigh River has had no real historical platypus sightings previously recorded, so this project has really filled a gap.\u201d<\/p>\n
Friends of the Barwon chair Dr Kaye Rodden said the initiative draws attention to water security.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool rivers are all severely stressed and we need to work together as a whole to repair and protect these amazing living assets in our region,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvestment into improving the health of the Barwon system as a whole is crucial for all species relying on it to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study found locations along the rivers where the was bank erosion, a lack of vegetation and places to burrow, no \u201cchannel complexity\u201d and variety, or instream tended to lack platypus<\/p>\n
It also revealed while the monotreme is in areas that had a good instream, were full of Indigenous vegetation, and safe from grazing animals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE results of a regionwide platypus survey by citizen scientists have been released. Geelong Landcare Network participated in the exercise which aimed to gather current data around the presence of platypus in waterways between the Upper Barwon, and Moorabool catchments, using environmental DNA techniques. About 60 volunteers contributed, assessing the Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool rivers […]<\/p>\n