As part of a three-decade-long monitoring program, Melbourne Water recently completed comprehensive platypus mapping using eDNA testing in combination with traditional ‘capture and release’ methods. Sampling was undertaken at 1,800 locations across Melbourne’s creeks and waterways between 2021 and 2023 with platypuses found in dozens of creeks and rivers throughout Greater Melbourne.
Climate change, contaminants and litter from increasing urbanisation are impacting the platypus. Melbourne Water’s platypus monitoring program is part of the Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018-2028.
“Tackling the complex issues that threaten platypus requires collaborative efforts, including all levels of government, waterway managers, urban planners, scientists, Traditional Owners and the community,” said Dr Rhys Coleman, Manager of Waterways & Wetlands Research, Melbourne Water.
