About the Event
Join us for a platypus spotting session at dusk on the Franklin River in Port Franklin
WHEN: 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm, Sunday 22nd September 2024
COST: Free
WHERE: Meet at the intersection of Dorans Road and Lower Toora Road, Port Franklin (see map below).
WHAT TO BRING: Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, raincoat, camera, phone, torch, binoculars, journal and water bottle.
ABOUT: We are celebrating World Rivers Day by surveying platypus populations in the Franklin River as a part of Australian Conservation Foundation’s Platy-Project.
The purpose of the Platy-Project is to map platypus sightings while having a great time in nature. We will make an important contribution to platypus science and protection whether we’re lucky enough to spot one or not.
One of the best times to see platypus is just before dusk. We hope to catch a glimpse of one leaving its burrow for the night's feeding. Along the way, we’ll be looking out for koalas in the eucalypts lining the rail trail, as well as echidnas and wombats.
Any platypus sightings will be recorded and data uploaded to the Australian Conservation Foundation. Data from other wildlife sightings can be uploaded to iNaturalist.
What’s better than seeing a platypus in the wild? Sharing the experience with like-minded company!
See you there?
WHAT TO EXPECT: From our meeting spot, we will walk along the Rail Trail to the Franklin River Bridge (approx. 1.2km) (see map below) where we will look for platypuses.
At 6:45pm we will wrap up and make our way back to our vehicles. If you are interested in a self-funded meal at the Toora Pub afterward (7ish) please advise on RSVP and we can make a group booking. We will enter our sightings and data to the ACF Platy-Project.
ACCESS: This event involves approx. 2.5km of walking on unsealed surfaces and periods of standing. We will be away from amenity so please also bring what you need to ensure a comfortable experience.
A LITTLE MORE INFO: Platypus are unlike any other animal found on earth. In our Prom Coast region, we have creeks and water ways where platypus have been spotted within the last 5 years (see them here: www.platy-project.acf.org.au ]
Due to habitat destruction, bushfires, drought and pollution this Aussie icon is threatened with extinction. By mapping where platypuses live, we can track – and hopefully prevent – declines in their numbers.
Prom Coast Ecolink acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this event will take place, the Bunurong and Kurnai people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community.
Organiser
Prom Coast Ecolink is a community-driven initiative to preserve and protect our natural environment through collaboration and connection.
