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Citizen scientists active on National Threatened Species Day

Bega Valley Shire Council thanks all local citizen scientists who joined Atlas of Life community group members to search for wildlife on National Threatened Species Day (Saturday 7 September).

One of the three platypuses at Bega's Kisses Lagoon. Photograph by Matthew Higgins.

One of the three platypuses at Bega’s Kisses Lagoon. Photograph by Matthew Higgins.

9 September 2024

Bega Valley Shire Council thanks all local citizen scientists who joined Atlas of Life community group members to search for wildlife on National Threatened Species Day (Saturday 7 September).

Environmental Management Officer, Erin Moon said local wildlife photographer Matthew Higgins demonstrated what can be achieved when he captured images of three platypuses in Kisses Lagoon, Bega, just a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s encouraging to see our rehabilitation works at Kisses Lagoon providing habitat for these platypuses,” Ms Moon said.

“With accurate data on species' locations and populations, scientists can pinpoint conservation efforts and resources to the places where they are needed.”

National Threatened Species Day, observed every year to mark the day the world lost the last Tasmanian Tiger, aims to keep threatened species and the risk of extinction in the spotlight.

“Australia boasts more than 500,000 animal and plant species, with many found nowhere else in the world,” Ms Moon said.

“Sadly, in the past 200 years, we have seen over 100 species become extinct, and in NSW alone nearly 1,000 species are on the brink of extinction.

“The platypus is classified as Near Threatened in NSW and there are growing concerns about its potential decline. However, the shy nature of these animals means the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee needs more data to determine if it is facing extinction.

“This is where citizen science comes in. Community assistance can significantly increase our knowledge by reporting platypus sightings on the free iNaturalist app, including the number of individuals and their movements.

“Seeing Matthew Higgins’ photographs of platypuses at Kisses Lagoon is truly heartening. It’s wonderful to share our town with these cute and enigmatic creatures.”

Bega Valley Shire Council's Chief Executive Officer has certified that the attached material is suitable for printing, publishing or distributing on behalf of the organisation in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act 1993.

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