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Dr Geoff Williams is the Director of the Australian Platypus Conservancy
Geoff has been studying platypus and rakali since 1994. Before helping to establish the Australian Platypus Conservancy, Geoff was Director of Healesville Sanctuary and Assistant Director of Taronga Zoo.
The platypus is widely recognised as a uniquely Australian animal. By comparison, relatively few people know that the Australian water-rat (also known as rakali) is a genuine native rodent that was a natural part of our environment long before its pest cousins – the black rat and brown rat – arrived with the early colonists. The water-rat is an extremely attractive mammal. Its thick coat of soft fur, splendid whiskers, blunt muzzle, partly webbed hind feet, and furry tail, all help create a resemblance to a miniature otter.
The talk will outline the biology and key conservation requirements of rakali and include tips on how to go about spotting this fascinating animal in Narrabeen Lagoon and other waterways in the local area.
“Once people learn about rakali they usually become great fans of these animals which can be just as cute, confiding and resourceful as otters,” notes Geoff.
“We hope that members of the local community will start to look for them and report all reliable sightings – both from the past and present. All reports are eventually entered in the Atlas of Living Australia to help planning of future conservation action by management agencies and environmental groups to help water-rats in the wild.”
“Once people learn about rakali they usually become great fans of these animals which can be just as cute, confiding and resourceful as otters,” notes Geoff.
“We hope that members of the local community will start to look for them and report all reliable sightings – both from the past and present. All reports are eventually entered in the Atlas of Living Australia to help planning of future conservation action by management agencies and environmental groups to help water-rats in the wild.”
Click here to return to the page about the forum to be held on Nov 29, 2021.
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
is associated with National Parks Association of NSW.
