Platypus are relatively difficult to see in the wild
because of their quiet, retiring nature and largely nocturnal habits. Nevertheless,
in every catchment there will be a range of people who are in an ideal position
to spot the animals, including anglers, canoeists, bushwalkers and farmers
working on riverside properties. Such people often do not report platypus
sightings simply because they aren't aware of the potential importance of
the information and/or don't know whom to contact.
Organising a "Platypus Watch" register of past and present
platypus sightings in your local waterway can be an important first step
towards harvesting this valuable body of knowledge. People can be encouraged
to report their sightings through publicity provided by newspapers and radio
stations, posters and leaflets, and requests to community groups (such as
angling clubs, field naturalist groups, bushwalking clubs, Landcare groups,
etc.).
Each report should ideally provide details of:
* Date and time of day of the sighting (as accurately
as possible).
* Name of the waterway and location where the animal
was seen (including a map grid reference, if possible).
* How long the person observed the animal.
* Any comments on the behaviour of the animal concerned.
* The person's name and contact details.
Such information can be extremely valuable in helping
to map the animals' current distribution and - particularly in the case
of historical data - provide insight into how this distribution may have
changed through time.