Paws and effect: Keeping platypus safe from our furry friends
As juvenile platypus prepare to leave their burrows for the first time during late summer and autumn, Melbourne Water encourages dog owners to do their bit to protect the vulnerable species.
Dog obedience demonstrations, guided platypus walks and free coffee (including puppuccinos!) will offered at a free Melbourne Water event in Hume promoting responsible pet ownership in and around Melbourne’s waterways.
The Paws for Platypus event, planned for Saturday, 18 January, will be held at the Emu Bottom Wetlands in Sunbury, which is home to the iconic and unique platypus.
“We want to support community members and their furry friends in enjoying Victoria’s vast natural spaces, but this must be balanced with protecting the habitat of native animals,” said Madeline Taylor, Waterwatch Coordinator, Melbourne Water.
“There are many designated off-leash areas around Melbourne, but in other locations, it’s important to keep dogs on a leash and out of waterways to prevent them from harming platypus and destroying their burrows,” said Ms Taylor.
“This is especially important during late summer and autumn when juvenile platypus leave their burrows for the first time.
"Platypus rely on steep, stable banks to build their burrows for shelter and breeding, but dogs erode and destabilise these banks when they enter waterways."
“Paws for Platypus is the perfect way to support platypus conservation, meet other dog owners, and learn how to safeguard wildlife and their habitats,” said Ms Taylor.
At the event, Sunbury and District Obedience Dog Club will showcase essential commands and tricks to keep dogs under control around waterways.
The Friends of Emu Bottom Wetland Reserve community group has spent over 30 years revegetating the land around the wetlands, but the increasing presence of off-leash dogs in the area is presenting a serious threat to the platypus and other wildlife.
“The Emu Bottom Wetland Reserve is home to a wide range of native fauna and flora, and we can all play our part to keep the park healthy so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Christine Cheers, President of Friends of Emu Bottom Wetland Reserve community group.
Top tips for dog owners to help protect platypus and their habitat:
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Keep dogs on a leash when around waterways
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Clean up after your dog to prevent dog poo from contaminating waterways
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Remember that anything that washes down stormwater drains will end up in local creeks before entering the bay
Paws for Platypus – A Dog’s Breakfast for a Good Cause
Date: Saturday 18 January 2025
Time: 8.30am - 11am
Location: Emu Bottom Wetlands, 300 Racecourse Rd, Sunbury
Registrations: This is a free event, but registrations are essential https://events.humanitix.com/paws-for-platypus
Paws for Platypus - What's On:
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Dog obedience demonstration Sunbury and District Obedience Dog Club will showcase essential commands and tricks to keep your furry friend happy and under control around waterways.
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Guided Platypus Habitat Walk Discover the unique world of the platypus on a guided walk along Jacksons Creek. Learn about their behaviour and threats and how to protect these incredible creatures.
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Free coffee, puppuccinos & dog treats Enjoy complimentary coffee and puppuccinos courtesy of Spence and Co Coffee. Remember to bring your reusable coffee cup!
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