TREAT Newsletter Spring September - November 2002

BRICMA Launches community survey of platypus sightings

The Barron River Integrated Catchment Management Association (BRICMA) is a non-profit community group funded by the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). It provides assistance with on-ground river restoration projects within the Barron River Catchment. The office is based at the Natural Resources & Mines in Mareeba and project operate throughout the catchment.

One of the projects BRICMA is currently running is called Project Platypus - Barron River. This project uses the iconic platypus to engage the community in environmental sustainability. The focus of Project Platypus is to provide good land and water management for the needs of both the people and the platypus.

Last year a community survey of platypus sightings was carried out by BRICMA to find out exactly where platypus are found here in the Barron River Catchment. Thanks to the public, 283 sightings were recorded and a map has now been produced (which can be obtained from BRICMA). Most of the sightings occurred around Malanda, Yungaburra, Atherton and Kuranda. Not so many sightings were recorded in the Mareeba or Freshwater/ Redlynch areas, so if anyone has seen any platypus there, we are still interested in recording your results.

Some of the interesting stories sent to us include:

  • Platypus have been found wandering along