Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Conservation Status


The platypus’ conservation status is listed as “common but vulnerable.” Their vulnerability is due to the destruction of their natural habitat from construction and irrigation projects, from water pollution. Additionally, a common threat to the platypus are fishermen, who frequently accidentally entangle and kill platypus with their nets and lines. Australia and all of the areas the platypus are naturally found in (New South Wales, Queensland, south eastern South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria) have specific legislation protecting them from being hunted, captured, and/or killed unless for approved scientific research reasons.  A few hundred years ago, the platypus was commonly hunted for its unique fur. 

Platypus have two layers of fur, one which is very dense and waterproof, helping to keep the platypus warm as it swims under water. The second, longer layer, of fur is rather soft. They were so frequently hunted for their fur that they nearly became extinct. Fortunately, government programs and legislature protecting the platypus from being hunted prevented their extinction and our strange little friends are now, presently, no longer in any danger of going extinct.  Fishing regulations have also served to promote the longevity of the platypus population, however, illegal fishing nets used by poachers still pose a serious threat to platypus today. Furthermore, it is very difficult to measure the number of platypus so there are currently no exceptionally accurate predictions for their future conservation status. Its is being suggested, however, that poor water quality in many of their fresh water river beds, the introduction of new species to their areas, and the effects of river regulation may all play a negative role in promoting the future well being of the platypus population. 


No comments:

Post a Comment