Residents in Dubbo are being encouraged to share any sightings of platypi to help track the impact of the drought on the animals.
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Last year, Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre (EEC) hosted the first platypus survey in Dubbo. About 40 volunteers identified eight platypi in 25 sites between Dubbo and Wellington.
The Wambangalang EEC, in partnership with Dubbo Field Naturalists, will be hosting a second survey on Sunday, March 1.
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Wambangalang EEC spokesperson Kristy Robberts said the first priority was to obtain more reports about the past and present occurrence of the platypus in the region.
"Anyone who would like to join the survey, or has relevant information is urged to share the details," Ms Robberts said.
She said despite being a much-loved animal, little was known about how the platypi were faring in the wild.
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"There is an urgent need to find out what impact the drought was having on local platypus populations so relevant conservation action could be considered," Ms Robberts said.
Australian Platypus Conservancy biologist Geoff Williams said the platypus was listed as 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
It's one of the strangest creatures on Earth. The unique mammal reproduces by laying eggs, the males are venomous and it possesses other unusual features like a "sixth sense" electroreception system in its bill.
Any relevant information on the region's platypi can be submitted to Wambangalang EEC via email at wambangala-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au, by phoning 6887 7209 or at through the Australian Platypus Conservatory website at platypus.asn.au.
