Where are the platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) now? A snapshot in time of their distribution in the Greater Brisbane region

Distribution data on platypus populations within the Greater Brisbane region is currently lacking, limiting our understanding of their population status. We report 4 years of platypus environmental DNA data from waterways in this region and compare them to historical observational records from 1990 to 2016 to determine any changes to their distribution. Twenty-one of the 54 eDNA sampled waterways were sampled multiple times and had records of previous platypus presence. Five of these 21 repeatedly sampled waterways (24%) did not have evidence of platypus presence, based on eDNA. This raises the concern that platypuses may no longer inhabit these waterways. We hope this study encourages further investigations on platypus to identify the extent of their decline within the region, along with possible broader state-wide review of their conservation status for future protection.

Automated summary

By comparing environmental DNA data and historical observational records of platypus in the Greater Brisbane region, it was found that in some waterways there was no evidence of platypus presence, raising concerns about the potential loss of habitat.