Platypus Monitoring
Running twice a year during September and April, platypus monitoring is our community-based citizen science 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.
Adopt-a-Platypus
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 Australian made Platypus toy
- Protect the Petrie Platypus Wheelie Bin Sticker
- Invitations to attend our Platypus events before the general public
- Detailed information on our local Platypus and work we are doing to protect them & their homes
To apply, please email the adoption form to info@ecollaboration.org.au
Platypus Patrons
For an monthly subscription fee, participants will receive an adoption pack PLUS exclusive invitations to platypus and ECOllaboration events; with funds going to our riparian restoration works to plant and restore critical platypus habitat in the Sunshine Coast.
Each Patron pack includes:
- Certificate of Adoption
- Soft Australian made 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
PLUS
- Priority access to our annual PlatypusWatch report
- Invitation to our annual VIP platypus experience where you will be treated to breakfast on the river, special guests & presentations, plus a guided walk with a platypus expert
- Invitation to our 2024 ecology conference “Conservation Conversations” where you will be treated to a whole day of environmental talks and workshops
To apply, please email info@ecollaboration.org.au
What is the platypus monitoring program?
Our platypus monitoring program 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 platypus in our local areas.
How can I get involved?
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 |
How can I find out more about platypus in my local area?
1. The best way to learn about platypus in your local area is to head to your nearest river, creek, or dam and have a look! Signs of platypus to look for are foraging bubbles (bubbles streaming continuously in one spot), circular ripples, and burrows in the bank.
2. Visit the ACF Platy Project Website: The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Platy Project is a great resource. Visit their website (https://platy-project.acf.org.au) to view the Platy Map and see the current and historical sightings in your area.
3. Join Platypus Workshops and Events: Organizations such as ECOllaboration, Sunshine Coast Council, Wildlife Preservation Society of QLD, Australian Platypus Conservancy and many more host workshops and events related to platypus conservation and research. Keep an eye out for events in your local area and consider attending to learn from experts and get involved in hands on conservation.