Hobart Rivulet Platypus is a volunteer-led conservation organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the platypus population in the Hobart Rivulet in nipaluna/Hobart, Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal country. Founded on October 5, 2020, by Pete Walsh, the group focuses on direct action, community education, and advocacy to support the urban platypus population.[1]
The organization was established by Pete Walsh, a local Hobart resident and wildlife enthusiast, with the goal of raising awareness and taking practical steps to protect the platypus habitat within the Hobart Rivulet. The rivulet, which runs through the center of Hobart, supports a small but significant population of platypuses that face threats from urban development, pollution, and entanglement in litter. The group's mission is to translate "caring into action" by actively monitoring the platypus population and addressing threats to their survival.[2][1]
The Platypus Guardian
Hobart Rivulet Platypus
The story of the organization's founding and its founder, Pete Walsh, is the central narrative of the ABC/PBS documentary, The Platypus Guardian. The film chronicles Walsh's personal journey, where he finds solace in the natural world during a difficult period in his life. He discovers the platypus population in the Hobart Rivulet and forms a unique bond with a female platypus he names "Zoom".
A pivotal moment in the documentary is when Walsh finds Zoom entangled in a piece of plastic litter. This event serves as an "epiphany" for him, leading him to realize he must take action to protect the animals he had come to love. The documentary follows his transition from an individual observer to the founder of a grassroots conservation movement, showcasing his efforts to rally the local community and work with wildlife biologists to save the species.[2][3][4]
Key activities and projects
Hobart Rivulet Platypus engages in a variety of activities to achieve its conservation goals:[5][6]
Platypus Rescues and Entanglements: The organization is directly involved in the rescue of platypuses, particularly those found entangled in litter such as discarded fishing line, bands or plastic rings. This work involves monitoring and responding to reports of distressed animals to prevent injury or death.
Platycam Network: They operate a 24/7 camera network along the Hobart Rivulet to monitor platypus activity, study their behavior, and identify potential threats. This network also helps the group quickly locate and assist animals in need of help.
"Seize it, Snip it, Bin it!": This campaign is an educational initiative to reduce platypus injuries and deaths from entanglements in looped litter. It encourages the public to properly dispose of litter and to cut or "snip" items like hair bands and plastic rings before placing them in the bin to prevent them from becoming hazards to wildlife.
School Visits: The organization conducts educational outreach by visiting local schools. These visits aim to teach children about the importance of platypus conservation, the unique biology of the species, and how they can contribute to protecting their local environment.
SoHo Platypus Mural: To raise public awareness and celebrate the local platypus population, the group commissioned a mural in the "South of Hobart" (SoHo) area. The artwork serves as a visual reminder of the wildlife that lives alongside the city's residents, and the need to care for urban waterways.
Fundraising: The organization is supported through donations and the sale of merchandise, including stickers, prints, and clothing. These funds are used to support their ongoing conservation and educational activities.
The organization's efforts are a notable example of a community-led initiative to protect and conserve a unique and often unseen urban wildlife population.[7]
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