Community concern as Petrie Creek platypus entangled in litter loop

A platypus will find it very difficult to remove loops or rings that encircle its neck or body: its front feet end in broad flaps of skin that make great paddles but cannot grip or grab.

Last week, a female platypus was spotted with a concerning loop around her body, the origin of which remains unidentified. 

This issue of litter entanglement, earlier highlighted in the documentary “The Platypus Guardian”, poses a severe threat to the creatures. 

As per the Australian Platypus Conservancy, platypuses are particularly vulnerable due to their feeding habits and physical inability to remove entanglements.  

The Conservancy website (platypus.asn.au) states: “Because a platypus mainly feeds on bottom-dwelling insects, much of its time is spent investigating the channel bed where litter tends to accumulate. 

A platypus also finds it very difficult to remove loops or rings that encircle its neck or body: its front feet end in broad flaps of skin that make great paddles but cannot grip or grab. The back feet are more dexterous, but can’t remove a loop except by trying to pull it back farther along the body. An encircling loop or ring therefore tends to remain in place until the loop breaks or the platypus dies – often due to horrific injuries that develop as the item gradually cuts through the skin and underlying tissue.”

You can reduce the risk to platypus deaths due to rubbish entanglement by adopting a few simple habits:

• Always collect litter, especially near water sources.

• Educate others, especially children, about the lethal consequences of discarded items.

• Ensure to cut all metal or plastic rings before disposal.

Such simple habits can protect these unique animals from preventable harm.