Date/Time
Date(s) - 20/07/2016
7:00 pm
Location
Redland Indigiscapes Centre
Categories
Dear Friends of Redlands Wildlife,
We need your help
Should out of sight mean out of mind for our iconic native platypus?
We say NOT ANYMORE!
In 2016, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland’s (WPSQ) PlatypusWatch is committed to updating and continuing to update Queensland’s platypus distribution data by launching the first state-wide platypus distribution census since 2001.
With over 12 years’ experience looking out for platypus in Queensland, WPSQ’s PlatypusWatch is set to co-ordinate Branches and community members across the state this winter in collecting comprehensive platypus population distribution information which will go on to be GIS mapped, analysed, compared with data from 2001 and shared with relevant government agencies.
And the timing couldn’t be better – the technology is here!
An exciting key element of Platycount 2016 will see WPSQ’s PlatypusWatch trial the use of new environmental DNA (eDNA) technology in its search. Described in leading journal Biological Conservation as a powerful new tool for ecological conservation, eDNA tests for species-specific DNA shed by animals into their environment. A sample of water from the stream is all that’s required for analysis.
In collaboration with Melbourne-based environmental research company Cesar Pty Ltd, which developed and verified eDNA genetic markers for the platypus, PlatyCount 2016 will trial this innovative approach in its south-east Queensland locations and expand the technology to PlatypusWatch surveys state-wide if successful.
Data collected by PlatyCount 2016 will enable Wildlife Queensland to target conservation actions and draw attention to waterway health issues that impact our platypus including bank erosion, sedimentation, altered flow regimes, exotic weeds and household rubbish, seeking commitments from regional bodies to address waterway health for the benefit of the platypus – and therefore many other species.
But to make PlatyCount 2016 really count, we need your help…
Come along to an informative workshop and join us in monitoring one of the Redlands waterways for sightings of this elusive egg-laying mammal…
WORKSHOP:
- Wednesday 20th July
- 7pm
- IndigiScapes (17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba)
PLATYPUS SURVEY:
- Saturday 23rd July
- Details to be given at the workshop
To register for the workshop and survey, please email: platypus@wildlife.org.au
