A community-based survey was conducted to establish the current distribution of the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus in the Huon River catchment, southern Tasmania. The species was found to be common and sighted in waterbodies throughout the Huon River catchment. Fewer platypuses were sighted in the eastern part of the catchment, where rainfall is lower and mudstone is the dominant geology. The absence of platypus sightings from some rivers needs further investigation as it may reflect geology, stream ecology or land use practices. Smaller waterbodies such as farm dams and creeks appeared to provide important habitat. A number of platypuses were also observed in estuarine areas where salinity levels were high. The survey also indicated that the platypus is an effective icon species for raising community awareness of the issues surrounding catchment management and river protection.

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