Platypus

The platypus is one of the most unusual and recognisable animals in the world (although often sightings in the water are confused with sightings of Rakali). Found in freshwater systems throughout eastern Australia, they are widely distributed, but more information on their population trends and status is needed.

Vulnerable to both natural and human-induced threats. Climate change, drought, floods, altered flow, clearing vegetation, dams and weirs, poor fishing practises, litter, and predation can all threaten this unique species existence. 

This species eDNA probe was one of the first developed by our group. It has broad applicability across their known range in Australia and has detected platypuses in over 1000 waterways to date.