Southern Highlands Platypus Conservation Project in Moss Vale, New South Wales | Environmental conservation organisation

Southern Highlands Platypus Conservation Project

Locality: Moss Vale, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4868 0888

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25.01.2022 WHAT MAKES GOOD PLATYPUS HABITAT? Platypus have been sighted in many rivers and streams in the Southern Highlands. But where do you look? Well, basically you need to understand the three main platypus habitat characteristics:consolidated earth banks, overhanging vegetation, and instream features: Consolidated earth banks - The roots of riparian plants reduce flood damage and other erosion, holding together banks used for resting and nesting burrows.... Overhanging Vegetation - Creates summer shade and supplies organic material that benefits the small invertebrate food species (mactoinvertebrates). It also reduces the chance of predation by foxes, dogs and some birds of prey. Instream Features - Pools - deeper than 1m but less than 5 are preferred and larger pools are extremely important as refuges during drought times when connecting riffles may dry out. - Riffles - Platypuses also forage in riffles. - Large woody material and plants growing in the water (macrophytes) provide shelter, living spaces and organic food material for macroinvertebrates and native fish species. Happy platypus spotting! (Platypus photo courtesy of Lachlan Hall)

23.01.2022 Its mating season for platypuses across Australia. Many of us dont get a chance to even see a platypus in the wild, let along their courtship behaviour. Check out this beautiful footage from Ann and Paul in northeastern Victoria.

23.01.2022 ARE WE IN DANGER OF LOSING THE PLATYPUS? WHEN it comes to the loss of biodiversity, Australia has one of the worst records in the world, losing more mammals and plants in the past 200 years than any other country. Now a Senate inquiry is set to address the issue. Its not just little-known invertebrates, microorganisms and plant species that are at risk of disappearing. Surprisingly, experts say were also in danger of seeing one of our most iconic species face the real threa...t of extinction the platypus. Speaking to RN Breakfast on ABC Radio this morning, Professor Richard Kingsford, director of the Centre of Ecosystem Science at the University of NSW, said were on a worrying downhill slide when it comes to our biodiversity across all the major realms of our ecosystem. His research suggests the platypus could soon find itself on the list of threatened species. Read more: https://www.news.com.au///7b9cb0e9d37f7fccb418966f9866e7c8

22.01.2022 A fantastic day of learning at our Platypus Info Day at Berrima. A big thanks to Tom Grant and Tahneal Hawke for sharing their extensive knowledge and experience with us. Very exciting times ahead! - #Platypus #CitizenScience Australian Platypus Conservancy (Official)

20.01.2022 We know a few people in the Highlands have seen platypus swimming in farm dams, but not many people get to see them scurrying across paddocks! :-)

18.01.2022 How awesome is this platypus lantern made by the Years 3/4 students at Berrima Public School! The kids have been really enthused by their recent platypus work and chose to make a platypus light installation for the schools recent solstice Lantern Walk. A big thanks to the teachers at Berrima for asking us to give a presentation to the kids - we really enjoyed it! ... #Platypus #SouthernHighlands #Berrima #Wingecarribee

18.01.2022 Platypus spotted today at Berrima!

18.01.2022 Is willow removal from waterways good or bad for platypus populations?

17.01.2022 Photo-Shooting waterfalls in the Blue Mountains with my shooting mate Sonja Breckenridge when suddenly Sonny points to something coming down the rocks. We were ...blessed to see up close, a young Australian Duck-Billed Platypus which played in the water around us for 20 minutes. Not something you see every day and captured on an iPhone! To use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please email [email protected]

17.01.2022 PLATYPUS POPULATIONS UNDER PRESSURE WITH CALLS FOR MORE PROTECTION New research has revealed one of Australias most iconic animals, the platypus, faces a bleak future with declining numbers prompting academics to call for their protection status to be upgraded. Scientists at the University of NSW said the number of platypuses in Australia has dropped by a third in the past 200 years.... The team working on the Australian Research Council project spent 200 nights examining 300 kilometres of eastern Australian rivers from Queensland to Tasmania. Professor Richard Kingsford, who led the project, described the results as "worrying". "Weve gone from probably 300,000 to around 200,000 which is a 30 per cent drop [and] very worrying in 200 years," he said.

17.01.2022 The Wingecarribee River at Berrima has long been known as a platypus hotspot... we received another report yesterday from a very excited local resident who spotted a platypus several times while walking along the Riverbend Reserve walking trail where the wartime internment camps used to be. Big thanks to Grace for reporting your sighting to us! Below is a link to a YouTube clip of a platypus swimming in the river a few years ago at Berrima. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e...ml2Pd_45hs Wingecarribee Shire Council Destination Southern Highlands #Platypus More info > http://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/platypus

16.01.2022 Why are platypuses important? Ecosystem. As platypuses forage they churn up nutrients from the bottom. This nourishes other aquatic life and maintains product...ivity in the waterways. They are also a top order predator, preying upon aquatic insect larvae such as dragonfly, fly and mayfly larvae. Evolution The platypus genome provides important clues into how mammal, birds and reptiles evolved from a common ancestor over 315mya. Genetics Female platypus milk has unique compounds that could developed new antibiotics. The males venom has also be studied and has potential compounds to help people with Type II diabetes and develop new pain killers. Also See (Doug Gimesy Photography post on EDGE species). Intrinsic value Platypuses are the sole survivor of their kind. Uniquely Australian! Not found anywhere else in the world. Like a lot of our amazing critters! Cultural The platypus and all creatures have an important connection in Aboriginal heritage. A food source when hunting and also stories in the Dreamtime. A duck and water rat fell in love and had platypus babies. #platypus #australianwildlife PlatypusWatch Network Wildlife Queensland #unique #important

16.01.2022 Cute platypus alert! An adorable platypus scratching an itch in Blue Lake, Jenolan Caves.

16.01.2022 Make sure youre listening to 97.3 ABC Illawarra tomorrow morning at 6.45am (or stream online from anywhere http://www.abc.net.au/illawarra/programs/listenlive.htm) when the folks behind PlatypusSPOT will be chatting about platypus conservation issues and why we need to think more carefully before yabbying.

14.01.2022 PLATYPUS INFO NIGHT - with DR. TOM GRANT Friday 9th February 7.30pm at the Robertson Community Hall A fantastic opportunity for both kids and adults to learn about our unique native animal!... Tom Grant is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of NSW. He has studied various aspects of the biology of the #platypus over four decades, has published a number of research papers and a book that is in its 4th edition (Platypus, CSIRO Publishing. 2007). Tom has been involved with investigations related to environmental impacts of various human activities on the species, including work in the Wingecarribee and upper Nepean rivers. He will discuss the general biology and habitat requirements of the species, field investigations, distribution and abundance (in the southern tablelands, NSW and nationally), as well as considering its long term conservation. ALL WELCOME! Join us for supper and a chat after the talk. A gold coin donation would be appreciated. Presented by the Robertson Environmental Protection Society (REPS)

14.01.2022 PLEASE DONT KILL A PLATYPUS THIS SUMMER With the holiday period upon us, now is a good time to remind people that many platypus, water-rats and turtles are killed each summer by enclosed yabby traps, especially the Opera House type that can be bought for a few dollars in camping stores. Rules on using yabby traps vary somewhat from state to state, so check local fishing regulations before buying and using such equipment. However, as a rule-of-thumb, opera house and simila...r traps are generally not allowed in public waters in most states and territories. In most places they can only be used legally in private farm dams. Be aware that large fines apply for illegal use and for killing platypus and other wildlife. In Victoria, for example, the Department of Environment advises that a fine of up to $38,000 and/or 24 months imprisonment can apply. Also, ask yourself whether alternative methods (such as hoop nets or bait on a hookless piece of string) might not only be safer but might actually be more fun for the family anyway see photo of hoop net. Finally, if you do find an enclosed trap set illegally, remove it from the water and call your state/territory fisheries officers immediately.

14.01.2022 Water is Life says Platypus

14.01.2022 Thanks to Southern Highland News for this wonderful article about the project!

14.01.2022 PLATYPUS MILK: UNLIKELY WEAPON IN FIGHT AGAINST SUPERBUGS Molecular biologists from Australias national science agency CSIRO have isolated the monotreme lactation protein structure for the first time, identifying a novel three-dimensional fold that the researchers say could lead to the creation of a new type of antibiotics. #platypus

13.01.2022 ICONIC PLATYPUS COULD FACE EXTINCTION, UNLESS NATIONAL RESEARCH IS CARRIED OUT, EXPERT WARNS A lack of research into platypus numbers is leaving the iconic mammal vulnerable to extinction, an expert has warned. In 2014 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) raised the status of the platypus from least concerned to near-threatened.... But Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research (CESAR) senior ecologist Josh Griffiths said no-one really knew for sure how many platypuses there were in the wild. "The problem is no-ones really looking," Mr Griffiths said. "And thats one of the real issues with platypus conservation there is no reliable way of estimating platypus numbers, even at a local scale. He said while he was fairly certain there were tens of thousands of platypuses in Australian waterways, the number could be as high as 100,000 or as low as 20,000. "We dont know if theres half as many as there were 200 years ago, [or] a 10th of what there was 200 years ago. They could have increased for all we know," he said. #Platypus https://www.abc.net.au//platypus-vulnerable-to-ex/10477902

13.01.2022 3D chalk art in Corbett Plaza this weekend for #WorldEnvironmentDay and #PlasticFreeJuly Thanks to the amazing artist Leo Uribe from Zest Events! #BeatPlasticPollution

12.01.2022 Platypus having a morning snack in the Wingecarribee River at Berrima Did you know? - Although mainly nocturnal, its not uncommon to see a platypus during the day, especially at dusk or dawn. - The platypus diet consists mainly of riverbed animals such as insect larvae but they will also eat freshwater shrimp, and adult insects on the surface of the water. - They will close their eyes and ears while foraging underwater, locating their food using electroreceptors in their... bill which sense the small electrical signals produced by the muscular contractions of their prey. - They prefer to forage in water less than four metres deep, and will spend up to 12 hours a day doing brief, repeated dives searching for food on the river bed. #Platypus #Berrima #WingecarribeeRiver

12.01.2022 Last minute volunteer position, departing Sydney on Thursday the 25th until 4th of February. Contact [email protected] if youre available to come along :)

12.01.2022 Is it a duck? Is it a beaver? Or is it a lifesaver?

11.01.2022 PLATYPUS EATING NORMAL INSECT DIET COULD INGEST AT LEAST 69 DRUGS, RESEARCH REVEALS A platypus living in a creek or stream with waste water could be exposed to 50% of a human daily dose of antidepressants just by eating its normal diet of insects, according to new research. A team of scientists, led by researchers at Monash University, has analysed insects and riparian spiders found in six Melbourne streams for traces of 98 different types of pharmaceuticals. The research, pu...blished in Nature Communications on Wednesday, detected 69 different types of pharmaceuticals in insects and 66 types in spiders. It suggests the pharmaceuticals were transferred to spiders after they consumed insects. The scientists then estimated what the potential exposure could be for the main species that feed on invertebrates in those streams: platypus and brown trout. Theres many studies that exist that tell us that pharmaceuticals are in the water, said the studys lead author, Erinn Richmond. What we didnt know is are these pharmaceuticals moving through aquatic food webs? One think I think is alarming about this study is the sheer number and types of drugs detected in these insects." #Platypus #WasteWater

10.01.2022 Platypus: The worlds most enigmatic animal It is on every 20c coin, yet not many have ever seen one in the wild. Professor Richard Kingsford from UNSW talks us through the mysterious world of the platypus. https://www.abc.net.au//s/programs/drive/platypus/10425370

07.01.2022 PADDYS RIVER PLATYPUS SPOTTED! How about this fabulous photo taken along Paddys River on the weekend by Jennie Wiles while she was out birdwatching with BirdLife Southern Highlands! It was spotted in perfect platypus habitat, swimming happily in a deep pool with plenty of shade and vegetation on the banks. For more information about the project and where you might be able to spot #platypus in the Southern Highlands visit https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/platypus... And just a reminder that local sightings can be reported directly to the project team by emailing [email protected] or complete the online survey at https://arcg.is/1Pz0j4 (All sightings are uploaded into the official wildlife atlas for NSW - BioNet). Happy platypus spotting! Destination Southern Highlands

06.01.2022 Wait for the adorable yawn at the end...

04.01.2022 The cutest catch and release from Platypus Conservation Initiative.

04.01.2022 ARE CARP INFESTATIONS BAD FOR PLATYPUS? We know there are plenty of carp in many of our local waterways, including the Wingecarribee River. This is what the Australian Platypus Conservancy say about carp infestations:

03.01.2022 Platypus sightings in the Southern Highlands The platypus has been recorded in rivers, creeks and dams throughout the Southern Highlands although the few official records we have are somewhat outdated and often limited to rivers and streams close to population centres. The most common place to spot platypus in the Southern Highlands is in the Wingecarribee River around Berrima.... Other local waterways to have recorded platypus sightings include: Nattai River (Mittagong) Nepean River (East Kangaloon) Medway Rivulet (Medway) Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve (Moss Vale) Long Swamp Creek (Sutton Forest) Wollondilly River Paddys River (Canyonleigh) Caalong Creek (Robertson) Burrawang Creek (Burrawang) Wildes Meadow Creek (Wildes Meadow) Gibbergunyah Creek (Mittagong) Black Bobs Creek (Exeter)

03.01.2022 BABY PLATYPUS RESCUED BY PASSER-BY Most of us will never see a platypus in the wild, but its nice to know theyre out there. Six months ago George was found by a concerned member of the public dangerously underweight. The tiny platypus was 420grams when he should have been about double that weight. At an estimated five to six months old, George was given a slim chance of survival. ... The emaciated puggle was brought to Taranga Zoo where he began an intensive feeding and rehabilitation program. Zoo vet Kimberley Vinette Herrin told 9NEWS, he started to eat and he started to pick up speed and improve daily. Now hes in a really good condition, hes 1.3 kilograms and ready to go back into the wild. George was today released into the Colo River north of Sydney. Ms Vinette Herrin thinks hes going to be just fine, and people in that area will also be watching out for him. #platypus

03.01.2022 So, whose been lucky enough to spot rakalis in the Southern Highlands?

03.01.2022 PLATYPUS HABITAT TRUMPS DEVELOPMENT Brisbane City Councils decision earlier this month to reject a developers bid to put 23 house blocks in a rural area has been celebrated by residents. The residents argued the development was inappropriate for the area and risked the health of platypus and other wildlife due to its proximity to a small ravine linked to a system of creeks and lagoons flowing into Albany Creek.... In its decision, the council said the development would "fragment the ecological connectivity of the waterway and impact native fauna movements". #Platypus #WildlifeBeforeDevelopment

02.01.2022 PLATYPUS IN BUNDANOON! We have had two sightings come in over the past week, reporting platypus in Bundanoon. This is fantastic news as there have been no previous platypus sightings recorded in Bundanoon in the official NSW wildlife atlas BioNet. Big thanks to Louise & Lisa for reporting your sightings to us! (Photo by Klaus (Flickr: Wild Platypus 4) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)