The platypus is officially on the near threatened species list after Australia's wave of drought and fires
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himTHEplatypus unfortunately it is approaching the risk of extinction after the decline in the population of this species in recent months.
Just a few weeks ago, the Aussie Ark wildlife conservation organization visited the areas affected by the Australian fires where platypuses live, noting the dire conditions of the species.
Today, new research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) evaluated the risk of extinction for platypuses concluding that there is a need for national action to minimize the danger of the platypus disappearing.
"A national risk review for the platypus is urgently needed to assess its conservation status, risks and impacts and prioritize management in order to minimize any risk of extinction," said Gilad Bino, lead author. of study.
The platypus was once widespread in many areas but there devastating drought that has hit Australia in recent months has had a significant impact on this species, as it resulted in the drying up of several waterways.
This, coupled with the construction of dams, deforestation, the destruction of burrows for cultivation and climate change has led to a serious decrease in specimens: the number of platypuses has in fact almost halved.
The news was also shared by Leonardo DiCaprio on his Facebook wall, always attentive to environmental issues.
Posted by Leonardo DiCaprio on Friday, January 31, 2020
According to the study authors it is now crucial to adopt measures to protect the species, Before it's too late.
"There is an urgent need to implement national conservation efforts for this unique mammal and other species by increasing monitoring, threat mitigation, protection and improvement of freshwater habitat management," said Dr. . Bino.
The platypus is in fact included among the "almost threatened" species of the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In light of the new study, the risk for this species it results instead considerable and it is therefore important to review its classification and take action for its protection and conservation.
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