Natural disasters and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): criteria and protocols to guide emergency response and interventions

Jessica L. Thomas; Melody Serena; Marissa L. Parrott; Gilad Bino; Tahneal Hawke; Tamielle Brunt; Sally Hladyz; Joanne H. Connolly; Breony Webb; Ryan Baring; Phoebe J.B. Meagher; Michelle Ryan; Sarah Cordell; Anne Musser; Liberty Olds; Chris Bloink; Jess Whinfield; Ross Williamson

doi:10.1071/AM25035

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Natural disasters and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): criteria and protocols to guide emergency response and interventions

Journal article

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Natural disasters and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): criteria and protocols to guide emergency response and interventions

Jessica L. Thomas, Melody Serena, Marissa L. Parrott, Gilad Bino, Tahneal Hawke, Tamielle Brunt, Sally Hladyz, Joanne H. Connolly, Breony Webb, Ryan Baring, …

Australian mammalogy, Vol.48(1)

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AM25035

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Abstract

bushfire

climate change

conservation

drought

flood

threatening process

wildlife rescue

Recent catastrophic climate events in Australia that have affected millions of animals across a range of landscapes have initiated a need for planned and coordinated rescue responses. The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of Australia’s most iconic and biologically significant species. At a workshop held at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, Australia, in 2023, species experts discussed the greatest threats, scenarios where intervention may be required and the types of intervention option that may be suitable for platypuses. We consider drought to be the most concerning event for the species, along with the impact of cumulative events on their habitat over time. Here, we discuss how intervention criteria should consider the degree of habitat impact, the recovery time frame, the genetic importance and local extinction risk of a population, risks to animal welfare, and the capacity requirements and feasibility of resourcing any action. Suitable interventions are weighed against potential risks and include the rescue and rehabilitation of displaced individuals, in situ habitat support, and translocation to either temporary ex situ care or inter or intra catchment. Further research is required to address how the platypus responds during and after different climate events, and to different interventions, and to determine which populations are most at risk. The outcomes discussed here and the framework provided should aid in management response decision-making after natural disasters that may impact platypus populations.

Details

Title: Natural disasters and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): criteria and protocols to guide emergency response and interventions
Authors/Creators: Jessica L. Thomas - Zoos Victoria
Melody Serena - Tasmanian Land Conservancy
Marissa L. Parrott - Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Gilad Bino - UNSW Sydney
Tahneal Hawke - UNSW Sydney
Tamielle Brunt - The Wildlife Society
Sally Hladyz - Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Joanne H. Connolly - Charles Sturt University
Breony Webb - Western Sydney University
Ryan Baring - Flinders University
Phoebe J.B. Meagher - Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Michelle Ryan - School of Science, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW, Australia
Sarah Cordell - UNSW Sydney
Anne Musser - Australian Museum
Liberty Olds - South Australia Pathology
Chris Bloink - Services Australia
Jess Whinfield - Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Ross Williamson - Zoos Victoria
Publication Details: Australian mammalogy, Vol.48(1)
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Number of pages: 15
Identifiers: 991005866792707891
Murdoch Affiliation: Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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