The Coffs Harbour & Dorrigo region is considered a stronghold for platypuses – a species under serious stress elsewhere in its range from drought, flow stress and land clearing. However, no data currently exists on the impacts of bushfires on platypus populations. The severity and extent of the recent fires are expected to have significant impacts on habitat quality and food availability (macroinvertebrates) of aquatic ecosystems due to ash deposition and erosion/run-off. This project will utilise innovative science and citizen scientists to investigate and quantify the impacts of bushfires and other threatening processes on platypus populations in the Orara Valley.

This project is funded through the Coffs Harbour City Council Environmental Levy.