PLATYPUS: A Community Monitoring Program

Little is known about the distribution of these amazing creatures. Knowing where platypus are found in our catchment can help us look after them. Do you want to support native wildlife and biodiversity by helping to monitor platypus numbers? Become a citizen scientist and join with us and ecologist Josh Griffiths in collecting eDNA samples to help us better understand where platypus are found in our local rivers and streams.

Josh, a senior ecologist with EnviroDNA, will discuss how the use of eDNA has revolutionised how we can monitor populations at scales never before achievable. He will demonstrate how to collect an eDNA sample from the local creek or river and then we'll head out and collect some samples!

What is environmental DNA & EnviroDNA?

Every living creature leaves traces of DNA in the environment through skin cells, hair, scales and other bodily secretions. This is known as environmental DNA- natures fingerprint! It is EnviroDNA's job to find it!

By collecting an environmental sample, such as water, soil or scats, EnviroDNA can trace native wildlife, pests and introduced species. This is an ideal solution if you are looking to survey species for priority or threatened species management, or efficiently detect a species that is shy or in low abundance....like the platypus.

WHERE & WHEN

We are running two sampling days.

~Saturday, 21st September, 10am-1pm meet @ Pebble Beach Walk Carpark, Mt. Beauty

~Sunday, 22nd September, 9am-12noon @ Yackandandah Sports Park, near Nelson Mac Pavilion, Yackandandah

HOW THE MORNING WILL RUN

~There will be a brief talk about platypus

~ A demonstration on how to collect your samples

~Enjoy morning tea while sample sites are allocated and sample kits are distributed

~Head out in pairs to your sites to collect your samples

~Return your samples to the drop off point the same day

WHAT TO BRING

A clean or new bucket and rope (or something similar) for collecting water from the creek or river. If you have a water sampling stick as in the photo below please bring it along.
Notepad, pen & water bottle
Your phone/ smart device or comprehensive map of the area.
Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes and long pants
Bring sun protection, insect repellant and a raincoat or umbrella in case of showers
If you are unwell on the day please remain at home in consideration of the health of others

Morning tea will be provided

Physical Fitness level required: MEDIUM (sitting/standing for 45 minutes or more, walking to sampling site and getting down to the creek or river to collect samples)

For further information or queries contact Chontelle (KCLG Project Officer)

chontelle@kclg.org.au ~ 0491 624 943

RESOURCES

Kiewa Valley Sampling Site Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1Rpbd_koxCxsSp8bDPidHQI2pr7cisTo&usp=sharing

Yackandandah Sampling Sites Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1BoR59-h8o8FXCKXTVzkVGIckfKrnT5M&usp=sharing

How to Take A Sample Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vylu9R9WtY&t=83s

AMAZING PLATY-FACTS

~Platypuses have a lower body temp than other mammals which helps to conserve energy when living in cold streams.

~Male platypuses have a venomous spur on their hind leg.

~Platypuses are one of only five mammals to lay eggs! (The other 4 are all echidnas)

~Platypuses locate their food underwater by using electroreception.

The Platypus Community Monitoring Program is proudly supported by AGL and EnviroDNA.

While we are able to cater for gluten-free and vegetarian options at our events it is difficult to cater for every dietary requirement due to our limited funding. If you have dietary requirements outside of these two options please bring your own food and drink.

Photos

Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups (KCLG) may use photos taken of you at this event to publicise the event and may retain the photos for future possible use in other projects. This can only occur with your approval, which will be collected during your registration. Please read the below participant photography consent statement carefully.

By agreeing to having photos taken during this event you give consent to KCLG freely using your photographic image without any personal compensation or remuneration. You also relinquish and waive any current or future rights in connection with the photos, including any intellectual property rights you may have in the photos. Your consent is subject to KCLG not using your image in a negative, unethical or defamatory manner, or for commercial gain or political purposes. The photos remain the property of KCLG and any personal details linked to the photos will be kept confidential and not used for any other purpose

Privacy

Note - Information collected by KCLG is collected for the purposes of event registration, insurance and emergency contact purposes on the day of an event. Your information will remain private and will not be shared with any Third Parties.

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