Help protect our platypus
Yabby traps threaten our platypus
Yabby traps are illegal in all public waterways in the ACT region.
Sightings of Opera House Traps in ACT rivers and streams should be reported as they are a direct threat to our platypus and other air-breathing animals such as rakali (water rats).
A number of platypus have been found dead in recent years in such traps in the Murrumbidgee River. Other reports of dead platypus found entangled in discarded fishing equipment occur all too often.
The following are likely signs of an illegal trap:
- A rope or string tied close to the bank and going into the waterway
- A plastic bottle bobbing in a fixed position in the stream
- A lonely fishing float or a small plastic ball not moving with the current
If you find a trap in any lake or river in the ACT or Upper Murrumbidgee region, remove it if safe to do so, or report it immediately.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Report a platypus sighting
Waterwatch encourages everyone to head down to their local waterway at any time of the year and report platypus sightings. During Platypus Month, when platypus are more active during the day, we are keen to find out more about platypus in particular stretches of waterway. These are:
- Ginninderra Creek anywhere below Lake Ginninderra. No confirmed sightings of platypus have been received in this section of the creek since the Lake was built in the 1980’s. There has been a number of unconfirmed sightings from the public in the past year so we would particularly welcome sighting accompanied with photos.
- The Gudgenby River in Namadgi National Park. The Gudgenby River catchment was completely burnt in the 2020 bushfires. There are some historical platypus sightings from this area but not many and there have been none since the fires. The main river and its tributaries in the top half of the catchment (within Namadgi National Park) such as Bogong Creek, Rendezvous Creek and Dry Creek would be or interest. Also the lower section of the Orroral River (top section is still off limits due to fire damage) has limited historical data and sightings here would be welcomed.
Information such as date, time, location and number of platypus need to be noted. Photographs are particularly welcomed. You can enter your sightings in the new Waterwatch Platy and Ratty Sightings Portal Submission Form.
As the name suggests, we also welcome sightings of our other aquatic mammal of interest – Rakali (also known as a Water Rat).
You can view sightings on the ACT and Region Platy and Ratty Portal Map. The Portal maps Platypus and Rakali data from a range of sources in our region including Waterwatch and Canberra Nature Map. Results and detailed analysis from the Platypus Month Group Surveys are also available through the Portal.
ACT and Region Platy and Ratty Portal
Where have Platypus and Rakali been seen? Where were they found historically? Where are the gaps?
You can now explore regional records of Platypus and Rakali (Water Rat) on our NEW ACT and Region Platy and Ratty Portal.
The Portal maps Platypus and Rakali data from a range of sources including group survey data from Waterwatch and incidental sightings from Canberra Nature Map. Zoom around the map, click on sightings for more information, change the basemap, turn layers on and off and set time filters to explore the data in detail. Results and detailed analysis from the Platypus Month Group Surveys are also available through the Portal.
August is Platypus Month!
Did you know that August is a great time to see platypus in the ACT region? Waterwatch hosts a free guided walks and runs surveys throughout August to help everyone understand more about our resident population of these marvellous monotremes.
Find out how to get involved here. No experience necessary!
View the 2020 Platypus Month Report (1.3 MB).
More information
- Visit the Australian Platypus Conservancy website for an array of information about platypus and rakali (water rats)
- Australian Platypus Conservancy newsletter