Queensland is one of the few places on Earth where the extraordinary platypus can still be spotted in the wild. With its iconic duck-like bill, dense waterproof fur, and venomous spurs on its ankles, this enigmatic mammal is a living relic, one of the most evolutionarily distinct creatures on the planet. Yet, for all its unique adaptations, the platypus is highly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Once widespread across Eastern Australia, populations have been steadily declining, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. The catastrophic 2019–2020 bushfires wiped out thousands of animals along the East Coast, leaving rivers choked with ash and debris. These waterways, vital for hunting and shelter, became treacherous for platypus and other aquatic species.
Highly sensitive to their surroundings, platypus require clean rivers and secure burrows along riverbanks to feed, breed, and shelter. Alarmingly, research from the University of New South Wales shows that suitable platypus habitat has decreased by 22 per cent over the past 30 years.
Each decline is a stark reminder of how fragile Australia’s ecosystems are. Protecting waterways, restoring habitats, and raising awareness are vital to ensuring that this evolutionary marvel, continues to thrive in its ancestral home.
Fun Fact: Platypuses are smaller than you might think: males are around 50 cm long and weigh 1.5 kg, while females are usually 40 cm long and 1 kg.
A wild Platypus in Eungella National Park. Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
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