What is the problem with the platypus?

Answer 1

One of the main reasons for the tight restrictions on keeping platypuses is that they are extremely difficult to breed in captivity. Since 1941, there have been very few instances of platypuses in captivity breeding, and these have only been in wildlife sanctuaries, under very carefully controlled conditions, within Australia.

Answer 2

Some environmental problems for the platypus are:

• The introduction of red foxes and feral cats. Platypuses do not have many natural predators, but these introduced predators are believed to have had some impact on platypus numbers on the mainland. Feral
• Destruction and degradation of the platypus's environment.
• Flooding. Young platypuses may be washed out of their burrows when floodwaters come, and few of these survive.

Answer 3

This is a very broad question, but there are numerous problems the platypus faces.

The platypus, although found only in the country of Australia (which includes the island state of Tasmania) is notendangered but it is classified as common but vulnerable. It is not listed on the IUCN Redlist (endangered species list).

There was a time when the platypus was under severe threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago. In the past it 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. The use of fishing nets is still something of a problem, even though it is illegal now to use fishing nets in freshwater rivers and creeks, as the platypuses can become entangled.

The platypus is still vulnerable because of habitat loss through deforestation, dams and irrigation projects. They have disappeared from South Australia.

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.