Platypus released into Sydney's Royal National Park after being locally extinct for 50 years

A collaboration between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW Sydney and WWF-Australia sees the first ever translocation program for platypus in NSW aiming to re-establish a self-sustaining and genetically diverse platypus population.

Five female platypus were released into the park last week and will be followed by four males in the coming week once the females have successfully established their territory.

Rob Brewster WWF-Australia’s Rewilding Program Manager shared “Platypus are the face of our creeks and rivers, but we risk losing them forever if we don’t take bold actions to reverse their decline.

“The last century saw the destruction of so much of Australia’s wildlife and wild places. The return of platypus to the Royal National Park shows that we can move beyond just protecting what remains, and actually restore what we’ve lost.”

The platypus were collected from southern NSW to ensure genetic diversity and brought to Taronga Zoo’s purpose-built platypus refuge.

They received veterinary health checks, were assessed for release, and fitted with transmitters.

Cameron Kerr, Taronga Conservation Society Australia shared “Shy and enigmatic, platypus are the silent victims of climate change. While their elusive behaviour keeps them from view, under the surface they are particularly susceptible to drought and environmental change.

“This translocation not only re-establishes a population in part of their former range but allows us to refine the skills and expertise that will inevitably be required to counter the impacts of increasingly frequent and more severe climate events.

“The platypus is Taronga’s emblem, and we are committed to ensuring it not only survives but thrives for years to come.”

Ongoing monitoring and tracking by UNSW and WWF-Australia will determine the success of the re-introduction to the park.

Platypus are under threat from habitat destruction and fragmentation.

These factors are increasing extinction risk to platypus populations and their resilience to endure extreme climate events.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe notes “The iconic platypus is under immense pressure. The work that has gone into this project to get to the point of releasing these platypus is essential to assure the security of these species into the future.

“Royal National Park is Australia’s oldest national park and I am pleased this historic reintroduction will help re-establish a sanctuary for this iconic species.”

“Translocation is just one conservation measure that can help ensure the survival of NSW species such as platypus against climate change.”