The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife funded scientists to survey the Platypus in the three major rivers of the Bellinger catchment. Supported by the local community, scientists collected data through netting, observation from the river bank and by canoe.
Before the survey there were only five recorded Platypus sightings in the area. After the project a further 159 locations could be added to the distribution map. The results of the survey provide a scientific base for management strategies to protect and enhance platypus habitat.
The results of the survey were published in the 125 / 2004 issue of the journal “Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales”. The platypus is not yet listed as threatened, but the report clearly states that the species’ future conservation can only be assured by preventing further degradation of Platypus habitat and rehabilitation of disturbed areas.
