Platypuses seem to be settling in nicely to their new Royal National Park home, although there are concerns about pollution from a nearby colliery.
It has been three months since the historic return of platypuses back to Royal National Park, with all 10 platypuses settling into their new home, after their disappearance several decades ago.
The National Park is now well positioned to support these platypuses as they enter their breeding season, with a reintroduction program led by a collaboration between the Platypus Conservation Initiative (UNSW Sydney), WWF-Australia, NSW National Parks Wildlife Service and Taronga Conservation Society.
Researchers have continuously tracked the six female and four male platypuses that were introduced back in May this year. After some early long-distance movements recorded, the platypuses appear to be familiarising themselves with their new home and settling into their respective home ranges. Courtship and breeding are anticipated in the coming months.
Read more at University of New South Wales
Image: NSW State Environment Minister Penny Sharpe releases the first of the platypuses at Royal National Park in May 2023. (Photo: UNSW Sydney/Richard Freeman)