SAVING MELBOURNE'S PLATYPUS WITH SMART WATER STORAGE

[Judi Lynn]

Using smart rainwater tanks and urban lakes, a new project aims to provide crucial water to platypus habitat when it’s needed most – leading up to the breeding season

By Professor Tim Fletcher, Dr Matthew Burns, Dr Stephanie Lavau, Associate Professor Christopher Walsh and Dr Kathy Russell, University of Melbourne; Dr Beth Wallis, Yarra Ranges Council; Dr Rhys Coleman, Melbourne Water and Dr David Bergman, South East Water

The platypus is a remarkable creature. While famous for being one of only two egg-laying mammals in the world, its babies don’t hatch fully formed like many reptiles.

Instead, they hatch blind, hairless and helpless – needing mum’s constant care and a good supply of milk to survive.

https://res-5.cloudinary.com/the-university-of-melbourne/image/upload/s--l2vhCGlA--/c_limit,f_auto,q_75,w_892/v1/pursuit-uploads/da8/f84/4b4/da8f844b4198dd2503ac362ec7ddf8c139a414a52a44eac73fcfb5d09c6b.jpg

Stresses arising from habitat loss and modification have meant a steady decline of platypus numbers over recent years. Picture: Shutterstock

Like all mothers, platypus need to be fit, healthy and well-fed to give their offspring the best possible chance in life.

Once common in Melbourne and its surrounds, stresses arising from habitat loss and modification have resulted in a steady decline of platypus numbers over recent years.

More:
https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/saving-melbourne-s-platypus-with-smart-water-storage