September is fast approaching and is an important time for the platypus – it coincides with their peak breeding season! To celebrate this important month, experts from a nation wide Platypus Network have deemed September as ‘Platypus Month’ in Victoria. During platypus month organisations can promote conservation messaging to protect this iconic species and encourage their communities to record platypus sightings to help researchers learn more about the species.
This year, we hope to build awareness of the impact of ‘loopy litter’ through the ‘Seize it, Snip it, Bin it’ campaign. Loopy litter is any type of litter that forms a ring or loop and includes hair ties, elastic or rubber bands, fishing line, string and plastic or metal rings. These litter types are particularly harmful to the platypus. Earlier this year you may have heard about the platypus in Bright that tragically died from being entangled in a hair tie. Unfortunately this is the outcome for many animals found entangled in loopy litter.
We can prevent the platypus from the harmful impacts of loopy litter by adopting a ‘Seize it, Snip it, Bin it’ mindset:
- Seize it: Pick up any litter, especially loopy litter. Litter dropped on the ground ends up in our rivers and creeks.
- Snip it: Cut rings or loops, like hair ties or rubber bands, before disposal to reduce the risk of entanglement.
- Bin it: Always dispose of litter correctly to stop it from reaching our waterways.
I encourage you to promote ‘Seize it, Snip it, Bin it’ campaign this September (Platypus Month) to build awareness of the of loopy litter within your community. By promoting this campaign you will be supporting the platypus and other native species from the deadly impacts of loopy litter and keeping our waterways healthy. The attached Platypus Month Communications Pack has been developed to help you promote the campaign and includes copy, visual assets (campaign graphics and platypus images) as well as activities to hold during Platypus Month. Please use this pack to promote the campaign to your community during September.
Platypus Month Communications Pack 2025
