Tiana Preston from Ecology Australia will present the results of Malmsbury Landcare’s recent platypus survey on May 1 at the Malmsbury Town Hall.
Tiana led the survey and provided the necessary permits and oversight. Her presentation will discuss the biology and ecology of the platypus and will examine why variable water flows are important to it.
Malmsbury Landcare’s survey checked on the health of the local Coliban River platypus population.
It was the fifth such survey since these began in 2001 after North Central Catchment Management Authority acted on reports of platypus sightings in the river.
NCCMA subsequently recorded ten platypus at sites within Malmsbury town and a short distance downstream.
Malmsbury Landcare president, John Walter, said the purpose of the most recent survey was to look for evidence of successful breeding in the 2024 breeding season.
“This may be impacted by unseasonal high or low river flows,” he said.
NCCMA and Dja Dja Wurrung’s Kapa Gatjin group have been working together to find ways to better manage river flows throughout the year. Both organisations actively supported the recent survey.
The presentation will take place at the town hall on May 1 at 7.30pm and is suitable for all ages.
