The Platycam Project
By having ‘eyes’ on key locations along the Hobart Rivulet 24/7, Platycam enables us to have a better understanding of Hobart’s urban platypus population and manage the threats they face.
Importantly, the Platycam Project has proven to be an effective early warning tool, allowing us to:
- rapidly identify, locate and assist platypus entangled in looped litter
- flag potential threats with authorities e.g. feral cats, pollution events, human interference
- monitor changes in behaviour patterns
- collect and share data with platypus researchers
The Platycam Project in Action
How does it work?
Platycam is currently made up of 4x 4G cameras and 8x offline cameras. 4G cameras send video alerts back to @HRP in real time. Files from offline cameras are retrieved several times a week. Footage from all cameras is reviewed and archived as it is received – a time consuming but worthwhile process!
How can I help?
We would like to increase the number of 4G cameras, as they allow us to respond in real time to events as they unfold. We would also like to expand the area covered by the Platycam Project but need your help.
We rely on donations and sales of platypus products in our Fundraiser store, to help cover the costs of:
- Cameras
- Mobile data plans for each 4G camera
- Solar panels
- Rechargeable batteries
- Memory cards
- Mounts for cameras and solar panels
Development of the Platycam Project has been made possible thanks to the generosity and support of Chris Ludford, Pros Choice, Oakvale Wildlife Park and Animal Rescue Cooperative Craft Guild Tasmania.
