Platypus have gone (locally) extinct

Platypus historically lived in Enoggera Creek catchment, but recently they have gone extinct. Platypuses are part of the natural ecosystem and were frequently reported in Enoggera Creek up until the early 2000’s. However, since then sightings have been rare and recent environmental DNA testing failed to detect platypus, which suggests that they have become (locally) extinct.

Local platypus extinction has been mostly caused by:

• Loss of habitat and changed waterflows from urban development
• Pollution including toxic runoff impacting ecosystems and platypus entanglement in rubbish

Primary drivers of platypus extinction from Enoggera Creek catchment

We can rewild platypus!

The good news is that solutions are available for restoring platypus habitat and releasing them back into Enoggera Creek catchment. Across Australia communities are rewilding ecosystems by restoring habitat and returning previously extinct animals (including platypus) to their ancestral homes. Inspired by this work, the Enoggera Creek Platypus alliance is working to fix the causes of platypus extinction and to return them to our catchment. We can do this by:

1. Tackling water flow, usage, and quality issues
2. Restoring and maintaining viable platypus habitat
3. Releasing platypus from captive breeding or by translocation
4. Getting our community excited and involved in actions to protect platypus and our creeks

What we are doing.

Since 2022, the Enoggera Creek Platypus alliance has been working to tackle the challenge of rewilding platypus. Our work to date includes:

• Engaging with local schools, community groups, businesses and politicians to seek support for and assistance with platypus rewilding
• Assessing creek ecosystem health and suitability for platypus survival
• Working with Seqwater to identify and resolve water inflow challenges
• Meeting with Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre to scope platypus breeding and translocation
• Coordinate platypus rewilding actions and activities through monthly meetings
• Organising local community presentations from platypus and ecosystem experts

You can help bring platypus back!

Everyone who lives in the Enoggera Creek catchment can help bringing platypus back by simply:

By joining this project and sharing their views, offering their time, and contributing their expertise. Everyone is welcome, please reach out to us using the below form, or come along to one of our bi-monthly working group meetings.