By XAVIER SMERDON
ONE of Wyndham’s most elusive and rare animals may be making a comeback with evidence of breeding giving hope to researchers.
According to Melbourne Water, a survey of platypus numbers has shown that numbers may soon start to increase.
The Urban Platypus Program, run by Melbourne Water, is currently underway across the greater Melbourne region to further understand the status of platypus populations and consequently the health of rivers and creeks.
David Ryan, General Manager Waterways, said the discovery of a juvenile platypus was encouraging.
“The recent drought hit platypus numbers hard but rain and habitat management over the past two years is helping with the increase,” Mr Ryan said.
“Efforts by Melbourne Water, and the many community groups we work with, to improve habitat along waterways through willow removal, storm water management and revegetation projects is also helping to encourage platypus back to Melbourne’s waterways.”
Research organisation, cesar, undertakes the platypus research on behalf of Melbourne Water by capturing, documenting and releasing the unique animals.
Josh Griffiths, cesar’s wildlife ecology senior consultant, said while platypus numbers were still low, it was encouraging to see their resilience and is hopeful more will return to breed now the drought has ended.
“Evidence of breeding gives us an indication that Werribee’s platypus population is recovering, however other factors such as pollution and stormwater are still affecting these unique creatures,” Mr Griffiths said.
“While the increased rainfall over the past few years has helped improve conditions for platypuses, they are still under threat from stormwater pollution, removal of vegetation along waterways, changes to flow regimes, litter, opera house nets, and predation.”
The community is encouraged to keep an eye out for platypus in their local waterways and can let Melbourne Water know of any sightings by calling 131 722.
