Would you like to learn about our iconic platypus whilst also learning science-based skills to observe and monitor platypuses in the wild?
Join PlatypusWatch and Wildlife Queensland Upper Dawson Branch to learn about our iconic platypus and find out how you can get involved in an exciting citizen science project in the Taroom region, QLD (focusing from Theodore down to Baroondah) to document platypus populations and distribution in local waterways. In this free, 2-hour workshop, platypus ecologist Tamielle Brunt will present an entertaining and information-filled talk on the platypus, as well as information about the 'PlatypusWatch eDNA in the Dawson River Project' which uses an innovative water sampling method to detect platypus DNA to determine their presence or absence at a site.
Workshop attendees will learn:
- about this unique mammal and its cryptic lifestyle
- water sampling techniques
- how best to find platypus in local creeks and waterways.
Interested participants will be invited to sign up to sample sites either on their own property or be allocated a site, and will be provided with a sampling kit. Morning tea will be provided.
The workshop is a warm-up for a community-led observation survey of the Dawson River on Sunday morning, where local citizens will spend a small amount of time searching for platypus. The data collected on the day will benefit the scientific knowledge base and contribute to platypus population data in Queensland.
COVID compliance
This event complies with Government rules relating to limits on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19) that apply at the time of the event.
- Maximum 70 attendees at the event.
- Hand sanitiser will be provided.
- Names, phone numbers and email addresses to be supplied for contact tracing.
- Seating will comply with COVID restrictions current on the day of the workshop.
The 'PlatypusWatch eDNA in the Dawson River Project' is proudly supported by the Queensland Government - Queensland Citizen Science Grants 2020.
