Meet the Rakali and Platypus – 14 and 15 May 2021

Posted on 12 May, 2021 by Ivan

The Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC) is a wonderful collection of community members interested in the natural history of central Victoria. Connecting Country has collaborated with CFNC on multiple projects, and is constantly amazed by their level of knowledge and passion for the natural world.

CFNC conducts monthly talks on a variety of interesting topics relevant to our region. This month’s talk and excursion will focus on the Rakali (Native Water Rat or ‘Australia’s otter’) and Platypus. The Rakali has a low profile in the community, with many landholders knowing little about this mysterious and very attractive ‘otter-like’ native rodent.

Rakali in the Loddon River, Newstead (photo by Geoff Park)

Please read on for more details from CFNC regarding their talk and excursion.

You may also enjoy revisiting some of our previous posts about Rakali and Platypus:

Escaping the trap to reduce platypus deaths – click here
Good news for Coliban platypus population – click here
Rakali: our native otter – click here
Some little known facts about platypus – click here

Friday 14 May 2021 – Monthly meeting

Guest Speaker: Geoff Williams (Australian Platypus Conservancy) on Understanding Rakali – Australia’s ‘Otter’

The platypus is widely recognised as a uniquely Australian animal. By comparison, relatively few people know that the Australian water-rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) is a genuine native rodent that was a natural part of our environment long before the arrival of its pest cousins – the black rat and brown rat. The water-rat (also known as rakali) possesses a thick coat of soft fur, splendid whiskers, blunt muzzle, partly webbed hind feet and furry tail, all helping to create a resemblance to a miniature otter. Geoff will outline the biology and key conservation requirements of this fascinating native mammal and provide tips on how to go about spotting it in local waterways.

The meeting will be held by Zoom. If you have not joined earlier webinars and wish to attend, please email Peter Turner at munrodsl@iinet.net.au

Saturday 15 May 2021 – Excursion to Campbells Creek Rakali and Platypus habitat

Leader: Geoff Williams

Meet at 8 am at the ‘Octopus’, opposite the Castle Motel, Duke St, Castlemaine VIC – early start for early rising animals!

Join Geoff on a field trip along Campbells Creek to learn how to look for rakali and platypus in the wild. He will also talk about opportunities for becoming involved in the Australian Platypus Monitoring Network (APMN) to help track how these species are faring in local waterways.

Please comply with current government COVID-safe requirements on the day.

The field trip will be cancelled in extreme weather conditions.