Platypus watch

PlatypusWatch

Running twice a year during September and April, PlatypusWatch is our community-based platypus monitoring program that engages local volunteers to help collect platypus data by recording sightings and assessing platypus habitats at three different creeks on the Sunshine Coast.

Platypus are highly sensitive to water quality and a keystone indicator of a health ecosystem.  A majority of ECOllaboration’s work involves catchment restoration via the re-vegetation of riparian areas and therefore, it is of great interest to monitor platypus as they indicate the success of our ecological restoration efforts.

This citizen science project has been designed to be repeated each year to engage the community and collect a long-term data set on these elusive creatures.

This project is proudly funded by the Sunshine Coast Council.

Read our latest PlatypusWatch Report
What is PlatypusWatch?

PlatypusWatch is a community-based citizen science program that engages volunteers in surveying for platypus, recording sightings and assessing their habitats.

The information collected is used monitor platypus populations and identify what is needed to ensure the protection one of Australia’s most unique species.

This program also raises awareness of playtypus in our local areas.

How can I get involved?

Our PlatypusWatch program runs two sessions each year in April and September.

For all enquiries, please email our community engagement officer Trevor: trevor@ecollaboration.org.au

Registration openings are announced on our News page and social media (Facebook & Instagram) so keep an eye out!

Our Results

Sightings from our September 2022 and April 2023 sessions

Nambour Maleny Yandina
Sept 22 10 12 11
April 23 16 15 12
Total Sightings 26 27 23

Adopt-a-Platypus

We are now taking expressions of interest for our Adopt a Platypus program!

For an annual $70 fee, participants will receive an adoption pack; with funds going to our riparian restoration works to plant and restore critical platypus habitat in the Sunshine Coast.

Each adoption pack includes:

  • Certificate of Adoption
  • Soft Handmade Platypus toy
  • Protect the Petrie Platypus Wheelie Bin Sticker
  • Invitations to attend our PlatypusWatch events before the general public
  • Detailed information on our local Platypus and work we are doing to protect them & their homes

For more information head to our Protecting the Petrie Platypus page or email Trevor@ecollaboration.org.au