This iconic Australian animal is what is known to ecologists as an umbrella species – meaning that conserving them and their habitat will result in many other species also being conserved.
So, if platypuses can be successfully reintroduced to the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari, this will mean a healthier ecosystem for other native species like long-necked turtles and native water rats (rakali).
(Banner image courtesy of PlatypusSPOT)
Opera house nets were banned in South Australia from 1 July, 2023 following a decision from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).
The ban is significant in the protection it provides to air-breathing aquatic animals, like long-necked turtles, rakali (native water rats), and even platypus.
Green Adelaide has partnered with RecFish SA to help remove banned nets from metropolitan waterways.
Join us for the Great Opera House Round Up:
When: 8 October, 10am – 1.30pm
Where: Happy Valley Reservoi
Register here.
We are proud to release the findings of a scoping study, investigating the suitability of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari for re-introducing platypus.
The study was initially shared with project stakeholders, bringing together people with incredible knowledge and experience to review the findings.
The scoping study and following stakeholder workshop identified a number of positive signs about the river's suitability for this iconic animal, including:
Now, we are proud to make the study available, download your copy here.
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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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Green Adelaide's bold vision to reintroduce platypus to the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari is one step closer to becoming a reality, with a peer-reviewed study showing positive signs for this iconic Australian animal.
