Project overview
Local Land Services is working with interested landholders to:
- survey the catchment for key species including platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster)
- coordinate two environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling programs with the community and schools to determine the presence of platypus and rakali in the Wollombi Brook catchment
- invest in improving habitat in the catchment for these key species and riparian health based on survey and eDNA results.
Environmental DNA surveys for platypus and rakali
Project background
Key threats to catchment species include:
- drought
- foxes
- carp
- bank erosion
- sedimentation.
Project objectives
This project aims to use survey and sampling data to improve key habitat for Wollombi catchment native species.
Project delivery
Sampling methods include:
- baited ‘cathedral’ traps for turtles and platypus
- dawn and dusk observation for platypus and rakali
- baited trail cameras for rakali
- additional trail camera monitoring.
Work also includes:
- training workshops
- eDNA testing
- school engagement program
- on-ground works with landholders.
Work underway
- Engaging local landholders to develop and implement on-ground projects to improve riparian condition based on where platypus and rakali were found during the eDNA testing.
- Educating landholders how to revegetate riparian areas in the Wollombi Brook catchment.
Project updates
Enthusiastic landholders took part in a training session to learn how to test water quality by undertaking a waterbug survey.
The workshop was held in September 2024 at Congewai Creek at Wollombi and the results were entered into the Waterbug App then mapped on the Data Portal on the Waterbug Blitz website.
Waterbugs can be a useful indicator of the ecological health of freshwater habitats. Each bug has a certain sensitivity to pollution or water quality changes in their waterway. This method of water quality testing informs us of catchment health and helps us to prioritise riparian areas for improvement works with landholders including weed management, native plantings and fencing.
Waterbug survey in Wollombi Brook catchment - Part 1
Waterbug survey in Wollombi Brook catchment – Part 2
eDNA testing was completed by our volunteers and Hunter Local Land Services staff in April 2024. Samples were then sent to EnviroDNA in Melbourne, VIC for testing.
Local schools were offered an in-class presentation on the catchment, our icon species and what eDNA is.
3 schools participated and helped to collect the eDNA samples.
eDNA testing was completed by our volunteers and Hunter Local Land Services staff in November 2023. Samples were then sent to EnviroDNA in Melbourne, VIC for testing.
We delivered 3 training workshops for our volunteer participants in October 2023 for project background and eDNA sample collection training. Workshops were held at:
- Broke
- Wollombi
- Millield.
Project outcomes
April 2024
In April 2024, 54 sites were sampled across the Wollombi catchment between 2 April to 11 April. More than half the sites monitored by volunteers.
For Round 2, there were double the positive results and equivocal results than we had from November 2023 sampling (Round 1) for platypus, and more positive locations for rakali.
The catchment was fairly low in flow prior to getting 80-100mls of rain over the weekend of 5 April to 7 April. Samples were collected on both sides of this rain event.
Results from the eDNA sampling included:
- 12 locations were positive for platypus DNA (Orange Tick)
- 17 locations were equivocal for platypus DNA (Orange with white dot). This means DNA was found but not enough to be confident of presence (5 of these matched with positive results)
- 5 location had Rakali DNA as positive (Purple tick)
- 2 locations were equivocal for Rakali (Purple with white dot)
Green marker pins mark a site sampled but with no result for this sampling round.
November 2023
In November 2023, 51 sites were sample across the Wollombi catchment between 8 November to 13 November, and with over half of those monitored by local volunteers and landholders. A wonderful effort by all the community!
Results from the eDNA sampling were:
- 6 locations were positive for playtpus DNA (Orange Tick)
- 8 locations were equviocal for platyus DNA (Orange with white dot). This means DNA was found but not enough to be confident of presence
- 1 location had Rakali DNA as positive (Purple tick)
Green marker pins mark a site sampled but with no result for this sampling round.
Funding and partnerships
Key partners include:
- Chessman ecology
- The Waterbug Company Pty Ltd.
This project is supported through the NSW Environmental Trust and Hunter Catchment Contributions.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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