Protection-Rehabilitation Efforts

 

Zoo breeding programs help protect the platypus.

Current Conservation Efforts

In the early 20th Century, the duck-billed platypus was once hunted to near-extinction; but today, thanks to the protection of the Australian Government, the species is considered to be threatened, but no longer endangered. The platypus, along with most other native Australian mammals, are officially protected by Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974, which established wildlife refuges and designated “wild rivers” where hunting and fishing are no longer permitted. as a provision of this act, the platypus can no longer be killed for its pelt, and the platypus population has rebounded significantly since the Law was passed. The Act was also established to help preserve the “places, objects, and features of significance to Aboriginal people” which includes the biodiversity of the lands that the Aboriginal people inhabit.

Australia’s Aboriginal Tribesman

Many organizations, such as the Australian Platypus Conservancy (APC), are dedicated to protecting the platypus. This organization also monitors current platypus populations, identifying threats to the platypus and its habitat, and any illegal hunting activities taking place.  In addition, the APC also provides grant money to scientists studying the species as well. The APC is currently collecting reports of platypus sightings to compile a map of their current distribution, and are also studying the habitat of the platypus where the river has been seriously affected by manmade drainage schemes.  The APC is leading efforts to restore these damaged river habitats for future platypus generations, and they also guide efforts to re-introduce the platypus to these rehabilitated habitats.

Education – An Important Aspect of Platypus Protection

Zoos and wildlife protection organizations from around the world educate children about the uniqueness of the platypus and the importance of protecting this unique monotreme. The World Wildlife Federation (WWF) enables individuals to “adopt” a platypus. This program provides money for rehabilitation efforts for the duck-billed platypus and its habitat. Here is a video from the Healesville Sanctuary which operates the oldest platypus captive breeding program in Australia.