Cattai Hills Environment Network: On “Bluey” the Platypus
Listen to the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) about “Bluey,” a platypus released back into Cattai Creek on 26 August 2023.
“During this special workshop, you will learn about platypus biology, threats and habitat and delve into what you can do to help the platypus in your own backyard and community,” according to the event description.
Platypuses are an uncommon sight in the Hills Shire and Hornsby Shire. One sighting occurred in Colah Creek Catchment in 2022, although it was unclear if the flood washed away the platypus. The sighting prompted a $10,000 grant to 3 local volunteer groups to search for platypuses using environment DNA and assess if they originated locally.
“Bluey” the platypus.
Bluey is part of a population in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Catchment and is being studied by experts. Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer of Ecology and Environmental Science from the School of Science, Western Sydney University and PhD candidate Katherine Warwick found the platypus.
CHEN is a local community group formed in 2016 that focuses on environmental conservation and initiates ecological activities.
Platypus at Cattai Creek.
It is free of charge, and there will be a catered lunch. The talk will begin at 12:00 PM and will end at 2:00 PM. The seminar will be held at the Community Environment Centre, Currie Avenue, Annangrove, 2156.
Registrations can be done via Eventbrite: Storytelling about Platypus in the Hills.
Image credit to Cattai Hills Environment Network and The Hills Shire Council – Environmental Workshops.
