See a Cheeky Wild Platypus
Careful observation while roaming around our three lakes will often reward you with a sighting of our resident Platypuses. Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are from the Monotremata family and are the only group of living mammals that lay eggs, rather than bearing live young. There are only five species of monotreme in the world - the platypus and four species of echidnas (one lives in the New Guinea highlands and is named after Sir David Attenborough). Their name comes from the Greek “platys” meaning broad and “pous” which means foot.
To find their food, the platypus uses electronic impulses to detect prey underwater, scooping up insect larvae, worms and yabbies with their duck-like bill, which they then chew once they surface.
Breeding season is between June to October with females laying 1 or 2 eggs, kept safe in their water-side burrows, that hatch after about 10 days. They are then nursed for 4-5 months. The life expectancy of a platypus is about 12 years.
Help Save the Platypus
We are fundraising to help support vital research into the decline of Platypus numbers, with promotion via live streaming of Platypus behaviour and maintenance of our waterways.
Following advice from the Australian Platypus Conservancy, the platypus in Australia has been classified as “Near Threatened,” a status recognized internationally since 2016 (see IUCN Red Data List).
The Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens is proudly supporting a vital platypus research project in collaboration with UVC Wild and renowned platypus researcher, Dr. James MacGregor. This project, which began late last year, aims to deepen our understanding of the platypus population residing in our Gardens and provide critical insights into their health and movement within the region.
Nearly a year into the project, the data collected has revealed fascinating insights into the behaviour of these elusive native animals. The platypus population at the Gardens has been microchipped, and strategically placed scanners in the creeks and lakes allow us to track their movements. Our findings have shown not only the expected nocturnal activity but also surprising daytime movements. Dr. MacGregor suggests that these daytime sightings may indicate either a new population entering the Gardens’ catchment area or, more likely, platypuses rearing their young.
“Given the challenges facing the natural river population, such as disease and habitat loss, it’s important to see if these lakes can help support the wild population,” says Dr. MacGregor.
You can help support us by clicking this link.
