It is with great excitement and pleasure that we share with you that the results for the Great Australian Platypus Search are now available!
Citizen scientists played a key role in data collection that in turn will help to reverse platypus population declines across Victoria.
This is one of the biggest citizen science projects in the world, with people of all ages participating and gathering environmental DNA (eDNA) data from Victorian waterways. eDNA technology is a revolution in conservation. Through one easy water sample we are able to detect a wide range of species in that location, including platypus, fish and other aquatic vertebrates. The data will be used by waterway managers to better understand risks to our waterways and inform appropriate management effort. This includes understanding the impacts of recent bushfires and droughts on species distributions.
WaterWatch Victoria proudly partnered with the Odonata Foundation through the Great Australian Platypus Search, a state-wide investigation into platypus populations using eDNA. With samples collected from close to 2,000 sites across Victoria, the data produced as part of this project will help scientists to develop a comprehensive map of platypus populations across the state and will be used by waterway managers to better understand risks to our waterways and inform appropriate management efforts.
WaterWatch Victoria worked closely with Odonata and the project control group which included the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, EnviroDNA and LaTrobe University, to influence sites sampled, align sites to existing citizen science sites, provide safety advice and engagement expertise, recruit volunteers, and promote the program to citizen scientists across Victoria. Regular meetings were undertaken with Odonata and Environmental Education Victoria to streamline coordination of the registration of sites and promotion of the project to volunteers.
As a result of WaterWatch Victoria’s involvement, the project saw WaterWatch sites, and additional Traditional Owner sites included as part of the project, as well as a great deal of samples collected by WaterWatch volunteers from across the state.
Thank you once again for your involvement in this exciting and valuable waterway citizen science project. The Odonata Foundation team and partners would also like to share their appreciation to the catchment management authorities, delivery partners and WaterWatch volunteers for taking part in this project and collecting such a huge amount of eDNA samples in what was such a challenging time.
