You’ll never forget your first platypus encounter. It’s a magical moment when this strange and adorable creature emerges from ripples in the water.

If you live near a creek or river, find a quiet place on the bank, try to spot a platypus and record what you see.

This September, take part in the platy-project and you’ll help researchers understand more about this elusive animal, and how we can better protect it.

The platy-project

By recording where platypuses live we can understand more about this incredible creature, and help prevent further declines in their numbers.

That’s where you can help. There are places within the platypus’ range where sightings have never been recorded, or where they haven’t been seen for a long time. These are our biggest gaps in knowledge.

You can help researchers fill these gaps by visiting priority areas, looking for platypuses, and uploading your findings to the University of New South Wales’ platypus sighting database.

You’ll also have an incredible time getting out into nature – and hopefully experience the magical moment of spotting a platypus!

Get involved

We’re asking you to head to your nearby river, creek or waterway to see if they can spot a platypus.

Want to experience that magical moment? Sign up for all the resources you need to take part in the platy-project this September.

I’LL LOOK FOR A PLATYPUS!

If you have already signed up, click here to find all the resources you need to take part in the platy-project.

If you have already spotted a platypus, record your sighting on the platy-project map.