Platypuses alive and well

By Tina Seirlis

The Australian Conservation Foundation’s Platy-Project took place across September, with local group the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance jumping on board to ensure the Werribee River was well represented across three dedicated platypus counting survey sessions.

With platypus populations suggested to be in decline across Australia’s east, the Platy-Project sought to rally Australians to undertake surveys and digitally map sightings.

Natasha Evans, Secretary of the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance says the group conducted spotting events at dawn and dusk during September.

Each event had five locations along the Werribee River throughout the Bacchus Marsh township from Halletts Way Bridge through to Boyes Close pedestrian bridge, involving 24 volunteers in total, with the survey attracting many newcomers.

“We had people that had never seen a platypus in the wild before,” Ms Evans said.

The group encountered three positive sightings at two of the survey events, across dawn and dusk.

“It was interesting to only see platypuses at sunrise and sunset when it was quite dark, and I suggest they are likely to be more active in late spring, providing more opportunity to see them during daylight.”

Ms Evans, who has a degree in both botany and zoology, outlined the group’s findings demonstrate platypus are still living healthily within the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh and are finding enough food to stay in the area.

Following on from the Platy-Project the Bacchus Marsh Playtpus Alliance is currently conducting a competition through to 5 November 2023 to encourage more awareness about local platypus with over $1000 worth of prizes to be won across children’s and adult categories.

More information can be found at www.platypusalliance.org.au/comp and use of #PlatypusNextDoor3340 is encouraged.

The group is also hosting a free Platypus Move Night on Friday 1 December from 6.30pm at the Bacchus Marsh Town Hall’s Supper Room, where the competition winners will also be announced.