A six-month old platypus has been discovered in the Royal National Park less than a year after ten platypuses were returned to the Hacking River, nestled within the heart of the Heathcote electorate.

Scientists from UNSW Sydney, Taronga Conservation Society Australia and WWF Australia with the support of NSW National Parks and Wildlife, spent three nights deep in the Royal to assess the health of the translocated platypuses.

They laid nets in specific locations along the river where monitoring had indicated regular activity and tracking suggested the possibility of breeding.

The female juvenile platypus was captured on the third night of the survey, to the delight of all involved.

The juvenile platypus, who will be named by the local indigenous community, is in excellent condition. She weighs 850 grams and is about six months old, meaning she would have only just emerged from her burrow.

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart says the discovery is fantastic news.

“I am thrilled to know platypuses are surviving and thriving in the Royal National Park, close to a year after being reintroduced to the park where they had been locally extinct for more than 50 years.

“The waterways in the Royal National Park have been extensively monitored, and these results indicate habitat, food availability and water quality is suitable for supporting healthy platypuses.

“The significance of this breeding success cannot be overstated. It stands as a testament to the robust health of the Royal National Park ecosystem and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect our local biodiversity.”

During the surveys, researchers also captured and assessed one of the founder animals, an adult female platypus named Delphi.

“It was incredible to watch Delphi be assessed,” says Maryanne Stuart.

“The team researchers worked quickly and carefully under the light of their headtorches to check Delphi’s health and take several samples.

“These are incredible native creatures and it’s exciting to know that they are living right in our backyard. If you are patient, you might even see one paddling in the Hacking River, not far from picnic grounds and bush walking trails.”

The team continues to monitor and track nine of the ten original platypuses, with one venturing beyond the detection range. Further reintroductions are planned over the coming years.