What can one of Australia's most iconic and mysterious animals teach us about the health of our rivers—and ourselves?

In this episode of the Hawkesbury Eco Hour podcast, Lyn Ward catches up with Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science at Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper, and leading platypus researcher.

Michelle shares the latest on her platypus research, explains how environmental DNA is transforming wildlife conservation, and discusses why the platypus is such an important indicator of healthy waterways. She also talks about her role as Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper, the challenges facing our river system, and the positive steps communities can take to protect local waterways and biodiversity.

Inspired by her recent TEDx Hawkesbury talk, What the Platypus Can Teach Us About Connection, this conversation explores the links between people, wildlife and the rivers that sustain us all.

Whether you're a nature lover, a science enthusiast or simply curious about the remarkable wildlife of the Hawkesbury-Nepean, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Episode Links:

• Caring for Water Country https://westernx.edu.au/courses/caring-for-water-country

• TEDx Hawkesbury https://tedxhawkesbury.com/

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au