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.
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. 
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