Environmentalists are encouraged by the apparent return of a shy native animal in Sunbury’s Jacksons Creek.
Seven platypuses were captured, tagged and released at the creek in Melbourne Water’s most recent survey – the best result since 1998.
General manager of waterways Gavan O’Neill said platypuses were notoriously reclusive, so confirmation of their presence in the area was pleasing.
‘‘Findings such as those from the Jacksons Creek survey are critical to … our efforts to protect platypuses,’’ he said.
‘‘Melbourne Water, local councils and community groups also do a tremendous amount of work to protect waterways, so this survey is further encouragement that this co-ordinated effort is making an impact.’’
Platypuses abandoned many areas during the drought of the mid-2000s.
Melbourne Water’s urban platypus program, now in its 20th year, includes surveys every spring and autumn.
The spring survey revealed platypus populations are thriving in the city’s creeks and rivers, although illegal fishing practices, including the use of nets and set lines, continue to pose a serious threat.
Ecologist Josh Griffiths said excitement about the spring survey was tempered by the discovery of two dead platypuses in Warrandyte.
‘‘We suspect the use of illegal gill nets or set lines killed these animals, one of which was microchipped in a previous survey.”
Mr Griffiths encouraged anyone who saw a platypus in local waters to register their sighting on a community monitoring website. ‘‘[It] helps us build a better picture of the population across Greater Melbourne,’’ he said.
Jacksons Creek EcoNetwork president Christina Cheers, who has taken part in previous platypus surveys, said the health of local waterways and riverbanks was improving.
‘‘We have groups all along the creek planting trees,’’ she said. ‘‘There are certainly lots of restored environments along the creek. There are gaps, but we’re getting there.’’
This story first appeared in the Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly
Register a platypus sighting
Visit www.platypusSPOT.org.
