What can you do to help the platypus?

Answer 1

Platypuses are not really in need of any help. Since they have been protected by law, their numbers are estimated to have returned to the same levels they were when European settlement first began in Australia. Their biggest threat is habitat loss and being entangled in fishing nets, but increased awareness of these problems is reducing their effects on the platypus population.

Because platypuses are now a protected species, fortunately there are fewer dangers to them than there were when they were being hunted for their pelts. However, things we can do are:

• Ensure we do not use fishing nets around freshwater rivers, lakes and creeks. Many platypuses have died horrible deaths after becoming entangled in fishing nets.
• Do what we can to keep our waterways clean and clear of pollution of any type.
• After floodwaters have gone through a creek or river system, check for baby platypuses, which are vulnerable to being swept out of their burrows and drowned.

Answer 2

You don't. You may not have a platypus as a pet anywhere.

Answer 3

You can't, sadly it's illegal to own a platypus anywhere in the world. :(