The use of citizen scientists to confirm the presence of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in north-west Sydney

M. M. Ryan, K. G. Morrison

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

![CDATA[The platypus is an elusive species. Traditionally they have been hunted for their fur and now face several threats including drought, pollution and like many of our Australian icons, habitat loss from urbanisation. Sydney is undergoing rapid urbanisation. The population of platypus in Sydney is not well studied, is not well documented and poorly acknowledged. The aim of this project was not only to confirm the presence of platypus in the Cattai and Little Cattai Creek catchments in north-west Sydney but to get the community excited and engaged with waterway health using the platypus as an umbrella species. Working with a local volunteer community environment group, Cattai Hills Environment Network, a media campaign was conducted for the wider community to identify possible ‘hotspots’ which resulted in the mapping of 18 sample sites. Community members were recruited as citizen scientists to conduct simple environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling over a weekend in June 2020. Samples at eight out of the 18 sites contained platypus DNA which confirmed the presence of platypus in the north-west of Sydney. Using citizen scientists, lay members of the community, to be a part of this project, to take ownership in collecting data and contributing to the project allowed the community to connect with the waterways. The more that the community connect with the waterways the more they will work and advocate to protect it. This project could be adapted more broadly, not only for platypus in Sydney, but as a template of a successful citizen scientists project.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 10th Australian Stream Management Conference, 2 - 4 August 2021, Online
PublisherRiver Basin Management Society
Pages125-132
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9780646844916
Publication statusPublished - 2021
EventAustralian Stream Management Conference -
Duration: 2 Aug 2021 → …

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Stream Management Conference
Period2/08/21 → …

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