What can be done to save the platypus?

Answer 1

There is no need for anything in particular to be done to save the platypus.

The platypus is not endangered. There was a time when it was under threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago. Now, platypus numbers have returned to essentially the same levels they were prior to European settlement. The Australian Government lists the platypus as "common but vulnerable". The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the platypus as "least concern".

Platypuses are now strictly protected by law. There are also laws prohibiting the use of fishing nets in freshwater creeks and rivers. The use of these nets used to be a major contributor to platypus deaths.

Answer 2

There is no need for anything in particular to be done to save the platypus from extinction.

The platypus is not endangered. There was a time when it was under threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago. Now, platypus numbers have returned to essentially the same levels they were prior to European settlement. The Australian Government lists the platypus as "common but vulnerable". The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the platypus as "least concern".

Platypuses are now strictly protected by law. There are also laws prohibiting the use of fishing nets in freshwater creeks and rivers. The use of these nets used to be a major contributor to platypus deaths.

Answer 3

Platypuses are not in need of "saving". The platypus is not endangered.

There was a time when the platypus was under threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago. Now, platypus numbers have returned to essentially the same levels they were prior to European settlement. The Australian Government lists the platypus as "common but vulnerable". The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the platypus as "least concern".

Platypuses are now strictly protected by law. There are also laws prohibiting the use of fishing nets in freshwater creeks and rivers. The use of these nets used to be a major contributor to platypus deaths.

Answer 4

The platypus is already officially protected. It may not be hunted, or specimens taken as pets, and there are strict laws even governing the keeping of platypuses by wildlife sanctuaries or universities. In the past the platypus came closer to extinction but it now has protection by law in the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 (from hunters and fishermen), and the population has grown back to a healthy size. However, there are concerns regarding the destruction of their habitat and awareness of this problem is increasing. Tasmanian platypuses are subject to a disease caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum, which has fortunately not migrated to the mainland. Affected animals often develop skin lesions or ulcers, and the biggest threat to their survival arises from secondary infection. This can affect the platypus's ability to maintain body temperature and to hunt properly for food on the bottom of rivers and creeks. Naturally, funds are being directed into finding causes and cures for the problem.

Answer 5

The platypus is native to Australia and is protected by law. Although vulnerable to habitat loss and changes brought about by human interference, the platypus has enjoyed a resurgence in its population since becoming a protected animal. There are estimated to be as many platypuses now as there were when European settlement started.

However, besides government legislation protecting them, a complete ban on the netting of fish in freshwater creeks, rivers and ponds would also go a long way towards preventing unnecessary platypus deaths.

Answer 6

There is no need for anything in particular to be done to help the platypus survive. While there was a time when it was under threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago, its numbers have returned to essentially the same levels they were prior to European settlement. The Australian Government lists the platypus as "common but vulnerable". The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the platypus as "least concern".

The platypus now has protection by law in the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 (from hunters and fishermen), and the population has grown back to a healthy size. Another issue was that platypuses were drowning after being caught in fishing nets. it is no longer legal to use fishing nets in freshwater rivers and creeks.

There are concerns regarding the destruction of their habitat and awareness of this problem is increasing. Being officially protected means the platypus may not be hunted, or specimens taken as pets, and there are strict laws even governing the keeping of platypuses by wildlife sanctuaries or zoos. Currently, in 2013, no zoos outside of Australia have platypuses.

Tasmanian platypuses are subject to a disease caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum, which has fortunately not migrated to the mainland. Affected animals often develop skin lesions or ulcers, and the biggest threat to their survival arises from secondary infection. This can affect the platypus's ability to maintain body temperature and to hunt properly for food on the bottom of rivers and creeks. Naturally, funds are being directed into finding causes and cures for the problem.

Answer 7

The platypus is not endangered. Its conservation status is "least concern".

In the past the platypus came closer to extinction due to demand for its velvety pelt, but it now has protection by law in the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 (from hunters and fishermen), and the population has grown back to a healthy size. Another issue was that platypuses were drowning after being caught in fishing nets. it is no longer legal to use fishing nets in freshwater rivers and creeks.

There are concerns regarding the destruction of their habitat and awareness of this problem is increasing. Being officially protected means the platypus may not be hunted, or specimens taken as pets, and there are strict laws even governing the keeping of platypuses by wildlife sanctuaries or zoos. Currently, in 2013, no zoos outside of Australia have platypuses.

Tasmanian platypuses are subject to a disease caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum, which has fortunately not migrated to the mainland. Affected animals often develop skin lesions or ulcers, and the biggest threat to their survival arises from secondary infection. This can affect the platypus's ability to maintain body temperature and to hunt properly for food on the bottom of rivers and creeks. Naturally, funds are being directed into finding causes and cures for the problem.