Back in the 1970s, a chemical spill on the Princes Highway wiped out the entire population of platypus’ who had, until then, called the Royal National Park home. Now, after a reintroduction program which saw ten platypus’ released into the park back in May 2023, the first wild-born platypus has been recorded – and there’s the possibility that she’s not the only one.
The tiny female platypus – who is reportedly around six months old and weighs around 850 grams – was found by researchers from UNSW Sydney, Taronga Conservation Society Australia and WWF Australia, who have been working together with NSW National Parks and Wildlife on a program to reintroduce a healthy population of platypus’ into the area. The little beaked baby – who will be named by the local Indigenous community – is the first baby platypus to be born in the area for more than 50 years. And her existence is proof that the conservation work being carried out is working.
Research by the conservation team has confirmed that all ten of the platypuses released into the wild back in May are still alive, and the discovery of the new baby brings the confirmed population of platty’s in the park up to eleven.
The newest confirmed addition to the RNP’s platypus community has been microchipped, so researchers can keep tabs on her movement and health over the next few years. She was then returned to the river, so you might catch a glimpse of her if you’re planning on heading for a hike this weekend (people have been reporting increased sightings of the adorable creatures in the wild).
On the discovery, UNSW conservation scientist and project lead Dr Gilad Bino said: “Finding the juvenile platypus is a clear sign the reintroduced population is not just surviving but thriving, adapting well to their environment, and contributing to the genetic diversity and resilience of this iconic species.”
The new baby might not be the only baby born from the ten released into the wild back in May 2023, so keep your eyes peeled when you're out in the park and you could spot one of her tiny friends finding their way through the world.
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