How have humans affected platypuses?
Humans have affected platypuses in a number of ways. They have
introduced red foxes, which is believed to have had some impact on
platypus numbers on the mainland, though not yet in Tasmania. Feral
cats, another platypus predator, were also introduced by
humans.
Humans used to hunt platypuses for their fur (they are now
protected). There is danger from destruction of the platypus's
habitat and environment due to land-clearing and road-building. The
use by humans of fishing nets in freshwater creeks and rivers
resulted in large numbers of platypuses being drowned. This
practice has now been banned