Platypus

Platypus

The platypus is one of Australia's most unique species. Along with echidnas they are the world's only monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.

They are semi-aquatic and live in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. It is rare to see a platypus in the wild as they are elusive animals and population numbers are declining.

Extinction Risk and Key Threats

The platypus is currently listed as Near Threatened in Australia and internationally under the IUCN Red List, and listed as Endangered in South Australia, and Vulnerable in Victoria. However, there is a lack of data to confirm how many are left in the wild and widespread concern that the species may be endangered. Academics, wildlife organisations, and environmental groups, have identified that more urgent work to protect them is needed.

Key threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, predation, reduced water quality and pollution, entanglement, and the impacts of natural disasters and climate change - particularly drought.

WIRES Impact

In addition to rescuing platypus, WIRES has collaborated with leading universities and conservation organisations in recent years investing over $1 million to support projects including:

• Taronga Western Plains Zoo's Platypus Rehabilitation and Research Facility, which is capable of housing up to 65 injured or displaced platypuses.
• The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance project to protect 30 local platypuses in the Werribee River and supports wider catchment populations by maintaining healthy, connected habitats.
• Western Sydney University's project with Blue Mountains City Council to investigate the impact of heavy metal and anthropogenic contaminant exposure on platypus populations in the World Heritage Area.
• The Hawkesbury-Nepean Platypus project with Western Sydney University.
• Murdoch University's project investigating the Health and Disease of Platypuses in NSW.

How You Can Help

Support WIRES to improve platypus rescue and preservation outcomes and spread awareness in your community about the threats to platypus conservation and the importance of protecting their habitat.