Released 01/05/2020
Three platypus that were moved to Taronga Zoo during the very dry bushfire season have returned to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, kicking off a new tracking study partnership.
Images of the platypus release are available here: www.dropbox.com/sh/s4zelx2nex69b8g/AADwCpNwbuHbZruGJdRm2WoYa?dl
Minister for Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman said Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Taronga Zoo and UNSW had teamed up on a research project to better understand the movements and behaviours of these elusive creatures.
"We are extremely grateful to Taronga Zoo and UNSW for helping Tidbinbilla staff evacuate platypus from the Reserve's water depleted ponds late last year and I'm pleased to see this working partnership continue," Minister Gentleman said.
"Recent rainfall has since filled the waterways and ponds at the Reserve and the platypus can now return to thrive in their natural environment.
"The platypus released yesterday were tagged with tracking devices during their stay at Taronga, with three more tagged platypus to be released in the weeks to come.
"It's great to see Tidbinbilla, Taronga and UNSW turning this summer's devastating weather events into a significant opportunity for collaboration and research.
"I thank our partners for working with Tidbinbilla's wildlife officers and caring for these iconic Australian animals over summer while the nature reserve experienced extended dry conditions and threat from fire."
Tidbinbilla veterinarian Dr Arianne Lowe joined Taronga's head veterinarian Dr Larry Vogelnest and UNSW's scientist Dr Gilad Bino for the procedure.
"The tracking project will provide never before studied insights into the habitat use, behaviour, and interactions of platypuses over an extensive time period (1.5 years)," Dr Gilad Bino said.
"Findings are anticipated to improve understanding of platypus habitat requirements not only specifically for Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve but also for the management of wild populations of platypus."
"We are thrilled to be able to release the first three Platypus back to their home within the Reserve," Taronga Wildlife Conservation Officer, Dr Phoebe Meagher said.
"Increasingly, Taronga is being called upon to assist in these kinds of rescue missions because of our extensive experience in wild animal care and management and our commitment to conserving wildlife.
"During their stay at Taronga our platypus keepers went above and beyond to keep these animals healthy and to ensure they kept their natural behaviours. They achieved this by limiting their contact with the Tidbinbilla platypus, supplying live food for active foraging and keeping them separate from Taronga's own animals," Dr Meagher concluded.
Minister Gentleman said Tidbinbilla and other parks throughout the Canberra region were continuing to recover from a very challenging summer.
"Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve remains closed for public safety in response to COVID-19 and we are also working to repair damage from bushfire and floods. We are looking forward to being able to welcome visitors back to the reserve to see the platypus later in the year," Minister Gentleman said.
To keep up to date on ACT park and reserve closures, including Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, visit www.environment.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases