Melbourne’s biggest platypus found in Sunbury

ONE OF the largest platypuses found in almost 10 years has been discovered in a creek in Melbourne’s northwest.

Supplied Editorial Melbourne's biggest platypus found in Sunbury

RESEARCHERS continue to be buoyed by growing platypus populations in Sunbury, recently finding the largest male animal in the Melbourne area.

Melbourne Water works with environmental consultancy firm cesar australia and landcare groups to conduct platypus counts in autumn and spring.

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A count last month found six healthy platypuses in Jacksons Creek, with two found under the Macedon St bridge, two at a waterfall below the water treatment plan, and two at the Holden bridge on Diggers Rest-Bulla Rd.

Wildlife ecologist Josh Griffiths from cesar australia said a 2.7kg platypus found during the Sunbury count was the biggest ever discovered since Melbourne Water’s Urban Platypus Program began in 2007.

“We tend to get big ones around Jacksons Creek,” Mr Griffiths said.

“They are much bigger there than in the upper Yarra area where the populations are bigger, so it could be the platypus get bigger in poorer habits because more fat is required for lean spells.”

Whatever the reason, Jacksons Creek in general has seen platypus numbers bounce back, he said.

“Given the upper parts of Jacksons Creek were drying up in the drought, Jacksons Creek has been a real poster child for recovery because there are areas which are still struggling,” he said.

Mr Griffiths said getting the message out to the public that there are platypuses in their local waterways was more than just good news for the environment.

“Lots of people are unaware there are platypus around, but when they do they are more careful and keep an eye out for rubbish and plastic bags that platypuses can get entangled in.”

Robert Irvine from Organ Pipes Landcare said volunteers set traps and revisited them from Saturday afternoon to the next morning.

“It was good to see the animals at different sites and I think the waterways are in a much healthier state.”

Melbourne Water spokesperson Nicholas McGay said over the past five years the authority had invested more than $3 million to improve Jacksons Creek by removing litter and weeds, planting native vegetation and repairing unstable banks.

The group has also given $830,000 to community groups to support their work.

DID YOU KNOW...

■ The platypus is one of only two mammals that lay eggs, with the other the echidna

■ A typical platypus is about 38cm long, with a 13cm tail

■ They typically weigh about 1.4kg

To learn more about the twice-yearly count, go to platypusspot.org