10 Apr 2024

IN PHOTOS: BABY JOY AFTER JUVENILE PLATYPUS FOUND IN ROYAL NATIONAL PARK SURVEY

Scientists made an adorable and promising discovery during a recent night time survey in Royal National Park - a juvenile platypus.

The six-month-old youngster points to breeding success for the 10 platypus that were released in 2023 as part of the first ever translocation for the species in NSW.

Over three nights, researchers from UNSW Sydney, Taronga Conservation Society Australia and WWF Australia with the support of NSW National Parks and Wildlife laid nets in ‘hot spots’ along the waterways of the park. They were placed in areas where acoustic trackers had indicated regular activity.

Dr Gilad Bino and Dr Tahneal Hawke lay the nets which will later catch platypuses for surveying © UNSW

Drs Gilad Bino and Tahneal Hawke checking acoustic trackers for signs of platypus activity © UNSW

Casting nets in Royal National Park © UNSW

The caught platypuses were then given a health check, before being released back into the water.

Rob Brewster and Dr Gilad Bino perform a health check on a platypus in the Royal National Park. © UNSW

Platypus researcher Dr Tahneal Hawke releases a platypus back into the Royal National Park following a health check. © UNSW

Watch Delphi, an adult female platypus, slip into the water after a quick checkup with Dr Tahneal Hawke!

This breeding success is a significant milestone for the program and testament to the health of the translocated animals and of the park itself. Further reintroductions are planned over the coming years.

WWF-Australia's Rob Brewster and Francesca Roncolato chat with Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe ahead of the platypus surveys © UNSW

You can read more about the surveys here.