Finding Platypus with eDNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is helping fill knowledge gaps about platypus distribution while engaging landholders in practical conservation. Through citizen science, habitat restoration and community education, Central Coast Platypus Watch is improving outcomes for platypus and the waterways they depend on.
Capacity building - LEP23 – 015_LLC
The issue
There is a strong history of platypus across the Central Coast, however, most of these records are over 20 years old. While community initiatives such as the Australian Conservation Foundation's Platy-Project had increased awareness and recent sightings, significant gaps remained in understanding platypus distribution within the Ourimbah Creek catchment. Traditional monitoring methods can be time-consuming and difficult, particularly for elusive species like the platypus. Reliable information was needed to guide habitat restoration and ensure conservation efforts were focused where they would have the greatest benefit.
The solution
Central Coast Platypus Watch partnered with NSW Waterwatch, Land for Wildlife landholders and community members to use Environmental DNA (eDNA), a safe, non-invasive technique that detects species from DNA traces left in water. During the 2025 breeding season, landholders were trained to collect water samples from 20 sites across the Ourimbah Creek catchment. Platypus DNA was detected at 17of the 20 sites, providing valuable information on the current distribution of platypus within the catchment. Targeted remediation works were carried out at six sites across the catchment where platypus were detected. The project also established camera monitoring, waterbug workshops and hosted community information sessions to build knowledge and encourage ongoing participation.
The impact
The project demonstrated how innovative science and community participation can work together to improve conservation outcomes. eDNA sampling provided current distribution data that directly informed habitat restoration priorities, while camera monitoring confirmed platypus presence at several sites. Restoration works are improving stream health and habitat quality, benefiting platypus and other aquatic species. Equally important, the project strengthened relationships with landholders, increased community understanding of waterway
Key facts
- Platypus were detected at 17 out of 20 sites
- eDNA is an effective, non-invasive tool for monitoring elusive native species.
- Partnerships between community, landholders and conservation organisations are key to successful landscape-scale projects.