The platypus is one of the symbolic species of Australia and today faces extinction due to fires, drought and the climate crisis
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himTHEplatypus is one of the silent victims of drought and of burned down in Australia. The Aussie Ark association, which works to protect wildlife, has visited the areas most threatened by fire where platypuses live, making horrifying discoveries.
The platypus lives in the ecosystems along the Australian east coast where numerous fires have occurred and relies on the river system for water and food supplies.
This species is suffering incredibly from catastrophic effects of fires, in addition to those related to drought, the climate crisis and the extraction of unregulated water in the territory.
During an inspection, the staff of the association found two specimens now lifeless and five others in serious condition, noting the terrible situation of the platypuses: thousands, if not tens of thousands of platypuses, they probably are dead in fires.
The iconic platypus is emerging as a silent victim during the wildlife crisis Australia is currently experiencing….
Posted by Aussie Ark on Thursday, January 9, 2020
THEplatypus, one of the symbolic species of Australia, is a unique and wonderful animal now unavailable in the rest of the world.
"The number of platypus in the wild was already declining and current populations will have been catastrophically and possibly irreversibly affected by fires and droughts," Aussie Ark points out.
Losing these animals is devastating and it is important to try to save as many platypuses as possible, as is the case with koalas and other endangered species such as porcupine echidna and New Guinea long-beaked echidna.
These are species that have survived in the wild despite adversity, but which, following the current catastrophic conditions, now are in danger of disappearing.
In addition to the Aussie Ark, several associations including the Australian Reptile Park are currently engaged in rescuing and rescuing numerous platypuses in deep water, but some specimens need treatment before they can be released.
Members of such organizations continue to monitor and intervene in case of need, to ensure a future for the platypuses, but they need the help and support of the authorities and citizens, including through donations to ensure veterinary care for the animals.
Dried Up Future for Platypus
The iconic platypus is emerging as a silent victim during the wildlife crisis Australia is currently experiencing. Aussie Ark staff have been in the field assessing the situation faced by our wildlife. During this time Aussie Ark has relocated nine platypus to deeper water and taken into care five, that were simply too ill to relocate. The platypus’ distribution range is throughout the entire fire ground on the east coast of Australia, and the species is suffering from the effects of fire, and catastrophic effects of drought, climate change as well as the unregulated pumping of water from rivers. The shattering loss to platypus will be unfathomable with deceased animals estimated to be numbering thousands if not tens of thousands.To find out more head to: www.aussieark.org.au/australiaactionfund/
Posted by Aussie Ark on Thursday, January 9, 2020
Read also:
- Apocalypse in Australia: the number of wild animals killed in the fires exceeds one billion
- Australia: the harrowing video of the charred wombat crossing the road in search of food while fleeing the fires
- Illustrators and artists from around the world pay tribute to Australian animals and their burning land
- Fires in Australia: a 'rain' of carrots and sweet potatoes from helicopters to feed the kangaroos
- Slaughter of camels in Australia: 1500 already killed, but the Somali people ask to stop the slaughter and take them to Africa
