Yarra Ranges Council hosted a platypus spotting event on Saturday, 11 October for local residents and nature lovers alike at the Belgrave Lake Park for a chance to observe the elusive platypus in its natural habitat.
The two-hour event held at Monbulk Creek gave the attendees an educational experience about the fascinating world of the platypus.
The session kicked off with an informative presentation, where participants learned about the history of the area, the unique characteristics of the platypus, and the conservation challenges it faces.
The attendees also received practical tips on identifying signs of platypus activity, including tracks, burrows, and feeding areas, as well as how to spot the animal when it surfaces.
While no platypus were spotted during the event, something not uncommon given their elusive nature, the group was still able to observe various local fish and bird species.
Yarra Ranges Council spokesperson said the turnout was a success.
“We were pleased with the turnout of community members and nature lovers for the chance to try and spot one of our most elusive native animals, the platypus,” they said.
“Platypus spotting is a quiet and mindful way to connect with nature and contribute to citizen science locally. We encourage community members to sign up for our next event at Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave on 25 October.”
Through events like these, the Yarra Ranges Council collects data to monitor platypus populations and support their conservation efforts.
The spokesperson said while sightings are not guaranteed, these sessions provide an opportunity for the public to contribute to important research efforts using platforms like iNaturalist and PlatyProject.
The next platypus spotting session will take place on Saturday, 25 October from 5pm to 7pm at Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave.
