Hornsby Shire Council concludes citizen science search for platypus, following first confirmed sighting

The eDNA project was backed by the Sydney Water Healthy Waterways Community Grants Program, and was awarded in partnership to Council, Streamwatch, Still Creek Catchment Landcare and Friends of Berowra Valley.

Despite extensive efforts, there were no platypuses detected in the water samples collected by nearly 30 citizen scientists, at sites across Still Creek and Colah Creek catchments within Hornsby Shire.

While the analysis by Sydney Water scientists showed no sign of the iconic species, the timing of sampling could have been a contributing factor in the sample results. This testing method shows when a platypus is present in the last 24 to 48 hours at a given location. Therefore, it does not reveal population numbers or confirm that there are no platypuses present.

Western Sydney University Lecturer of Ecology and Environmental Science, Dr Michelle Ryan, helped Council staff and the local citizen scientists carry out this important eDNA testing project.

“It’s important to focus on protecting this small population and hopefully over time provide a more suitable habitat to support an increase in this population,” Dr Ryan said.

Hornsby Shire Council Manager, Natural Resources, Dr Peter Coad explained how the project galvanised the local community to protect platypuses and their habitat.

“Through this pilot program we engaged with landholders, shared knowledge and raised awareness of the importance of healthy waterways. The project also included workshops and the development of resources to actively support people to protect these rare creatures and their habitat,” Dr Coad said.

“Although no platypuses were detected in these samples, it still provides a reminder of the diversity of wildlife that lives downstream from our residential and commercial areas. Council will continue to educate residents about stormwater and how to help keep our waterways clean.”

Hornsby Shire Council Mayor Philip Ruddock talked about the significance of this pilot program to the Bushland Shire.

“We thank Sydney Water for their support in this important work. It was exciting to see a team of enthusiastic citizen scientists venture out to our local waterways and help collect samples,” said Mayor Ruddock.

“Council continues its support of healthy habitats through ongoing work in maintaining and monitoring water quality, catchment remediation and Bushcare initiatives.”

Sydney Water’s General Manager of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement, Stuart Wallace, talked about how this project aligned with their values.

“This project shared Sydney Water’s vision of improving the health of our waterways today and into the future. It’s fantastic to see how passionate our community is when it comes to creating and sustaining healthy waterways and supporting biodiversity,” said Mr Wallace.

Council will be expanding its work in eDNA sampling over the coming year after receiving financial support from the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government. This work will encourage community participation in sampling and build appreciation of Hornsby Shire’s biodiversity, and hopefully confirm the presence of a platypus population.

For more information, visit hornsby.nsw.gov.au/platypus.