A dead platypus found in Maudsland with a large fishhook embedded in its body has raised concerns about the threat discarded fishing equipment poses to local wildlife.
The platypus was discovered by a Watergum PlatypusWatch volunteer during a routine survey on July 31, during the species’ breeding season.
Watergum PlatypusWatch coordinator Emily Straton said the hook would have likely affected the platypus’ ability to move and feed normally.
“While the exact cause of death cannot be confirmed without further examination, the injury would likely have had a significant impact on the animal’s ability to survive,” she said.
The discovery highlights the risks discarded fishing gear can have on native wildlife, with hooks and lines capable of causing serious injury, stress, restricted movement and death.
Platypuses are particularly vulnerable to underwater hazards as they forage with their eyes closed, relying on electro-sensory receptors in their bills to locate prey.
The platypus was found at a monitoring site where Watergum volunteers conduct daily surveys as part of a five-year project tracking seasonal platypus behaviour.
Ms Straton said finding the dead platypus was especially upsetting given the volunteers’ familiarity with the animals living in the waterway.
“At this particular site, our volunteers survey every day as part of our long-term monitoring program,” she said.
“We’ve become familiar with the individual platypus using these waterways, so finding one of these animals injured and deceased was incredibly distressing.”
Watergum is urging the community to dispose of fishing gear responsibly and keep waterways free of rubbish to help protect native wildlife.
Residents can also support platypus conservation by recording sightings through the Watergum website.
Every sighting helps researchers better understand platypus populations, monitor changes over time and inform future conservation efforts for the species.
For more information, visit www.watergum.org/platypuswatch.
