Page 853 - Week 03 - Thursday, 2 April 2020
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(1) What is the current status of platypus populations in the ACT.
(2) Are platypus numbers known to be dropping; if so, are there figures on this.
(3) What effect have recent drought and fire conditions had on ACT platypus habitat and populations.
(4) Have any recent studies been undertaken to determine the status and health of ACT platypus populations.
(5) What steps are being taken to protect ACT platypus populations in view of the increasing threat to their viability posed by climate change and habitat loss.
(6) What is the directorate’s budget for research on and support of platypus populations and habitat in the ACT.
(7) What plans are there for future work on maintaining the health of platypus populations and habitat in the ACT, in the light of their increasing vulnerability.
Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The exact population of platypus in the ACT is unknown however the platypus is protected by legislation in all states and territories that it inhabits. Individual platypus cannot be captured or killed, except for scientific research.
The platypus’ conservation status has been officially listed as “Near Threatened” both in Australia and internationally (as described in the International Union for Conservation of Nature) since 2016. The platypus’ “Near Threatened” listing has been applied on the grounds that an overall decline in numbers has occurred – although the decline is not clearly defined and is inconsistent across the platypus’ range.
(2) Definitive advice is difficult due to a lack of baseline data. This is because the only dedicated work currently being conducted in the ACT on platypus is through citizen science programs such as Waterwatch. While these programs are effective in raising awareness and increasing knowledge of platypus at key monitoring sites, the data is not extensive enough for any definitive trend analysis or commentary on an assessment of population densities.
(3) The platypus has been listed by the Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Panel (the body established to advise the Prime Minister on bushfire recovery measures) as a priority species for recovery.
In the ACT region, the 2018 and 2019 Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Citizen Science program platypus surveys (which monitors platypus populations at three, one kilometre stretches of river, and provides an indication of emerging issues rather than definitive trend analysis) showed a slight reduction in platypus numbers over the period. It is felt that this is a result of the dryer conditions possibly limiting breeding success. 2019 data appeared to suggest that platypus were moving into the more permanent water bodies as the smaller tributaries were drying up. Details from the 2019 surveys can be found at: http://www.act.waterwatch.org.au/Platypus.html
Platypus have been sighted in Namadgi National Park within the burnt area. It is likely that ash entering the river would have an adverse impact on food (invertebrates)
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