Abundance, Health and Management of Platypus in Riverine Systems of the Gold Coast Region

Anna Muscat, Jon Hanger  and Jeff McKee

This project was a finalist for the Environment Australia Nature Conservation Award

Riverine habitat, platypus health and abundance, benthic diversity and water quality of Gold Coast streams are currently being assessed to provide council and land holders with information to help manage local watercourses. The project is a jointly sponsored by GCCC and NHT and the platypus capture and health assessment is carried out by Wildcare Population Health Services.  Platypus in Currumbin Creek were found to have a skewed distribution and had white cell counts significantly higher than those in other regional creek systems subject to less impact.  The health status of platypus in Currumbin creek appears to be declining and platypus have disappeared from the adjacent Tallebudgera system.  These observations may relate to high levels of heavy metals found in the lower reaches of Currumbin creek and may portend a further decline in platypus populations.  Investigations are continuing.