The scoping study will help to identify areas along the River Torrens for potential reintroduction, population sources, and will involve a platypus reintroduction risk analysis.
The platypus is an umbrella species, and a successful reintroduction to the Torrens means a healthy waterway, with benefits for other species like long-neck turtles and rakali (native water rats).
This potential reintroduction is a vital and exciting next step in continuing the improvement of the River Torrens. It also forms part of Adelaide’s push to become a National Park City.
The scoping study will take about six months to develop.
(Banner image courtesy of PlatypusSPOT)
Platypuses have been considered extinct on mainland South Australia since the mid-1970s. They are now found on Kangaroo Island, with some encouraging sightings in the Riverland during the 1990s, and more recently in 2018.
There are records of platypuses living along the River Torrens in the early 1800s and it is a missing vital part of the River Torrens ecosystem.
Platypuses are listed as a threatened species in Australia, and are a unique creature with a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver, otter-like fur, webbed feet – and it lays eggs.
As the project progresses, we will be encouraging the formation of a Friends of the River Torrens Platypus Community Group and a Platypus Fund.
Businesses, the community, universities and government will be encouraged to donate and further this important work to re-wild the River Torrens.
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