OLD MAN PLATYPUS FOUND IN OLINDA CREEK
6 October 2004
A platypus that has reached the grand old age of at least 12 years has been found in the Olinda Creek this week.
The find was made during a survey by Melbourne Water and the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
According to Geoff Williams, from the Australian Platypus Conservancy, the grandpa platypus was first found in 1996 when he was three years old.
"Very few male platypus in the wild have been recorded as older than 10 years, so this guy is a real geriatric," he said.
The platypus was one of seven found, five males and two females, in Olinda Creek between Lillydale Lake and Mount Evelyn.
Mr Williams said Olinda Creek was proving to have a very stable adult population, with most mature animals living to a ripe old age.
"That's great, although we will look to the autumn survey with interest to see whether juvenile platypus have been able to also establish their own areas as we increase the creek's health."
Melbourne Water Managing Director, Brian Bayley, said surveys had been conducted along the Olinda Creek since 1996 as part of the Melbourne Water Urban Platypus Program, a joint program between Melbourne Water and the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
"This program assesses whether our water quality and habitat improvement works, such as willow removal, bank stabilisation and replanting, help maintain or increase platypus populations," Mr Bayley said.
Melbourne Water invests about $23 million annually on protecting and improving creeks and rivers. This program is funded through drainage rate contributions.