Citizen scientists can learn how to spot a platypus while helping researchers monitor local populations.

Here’s what you need to know:

What does a survey involve?

Each survey takes two hours. It includes:

• meeting on site

• a survey briefing

• walking to the survey location

• surveying for one hour

• returning to the meeting point and handing in your data sheet.

Who can participate?

You don’t need to have had any experience to participate. You can book into as many surveys as you would like.

Where are the surveys happening?

Surveys are taking place at:

• Point Hut Crossing

• Queanbeyan River

• Jerrabomberra Wetlands

• Lower Molonglo at Namarag.

There are also surveys in the Snowy Mountain region, at Cooma Creek and Mittagong Crossing.

Surveys take place at dawn and dusk, and registration is essential.

Find out more and register.

How else can I see platypus?

Waterwatch is also running free walks on the Queanbeyan River and the Lower Molongo River.

It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp winter morning learning more about the platypus.

Find out more.

You can also use the Platty and Ratty Portal on the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch website. The portal tracks sightings of platypus and rakali (also known a water rats). You can use it to log sightings at any time of the year.

Another spot to see platypuses is to visit the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The Sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to view platypuses and bird species at the ponds.

Find out more about The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla.

Where can I find out more about platypus in the ACT?

Visit the Waterwatch Upper Murrumbidgee River website to watch a video about platypus in the ACT and surrounds.

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