Platypuses at Jenolan

The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an iconic and much loved Australian mammal. Platypuses are unique within the animal world, and caused great interest (and some consternation!) when they were discovered by Western science in the early 1800s. The Platypus is semi-aquatic, feeding and mating in the freshwater streams, rivers, lakes and other waterways of eastern Australia. Its unusual aquatic adaptations include a highly sensitive bill, webbed forefeet, a streamlined body and thick, waterproof fur.

If you ask someone where they first saw a wild platypus, chances are good that they’ll say ‘at Jenolan Caves!’. The Blue Lake has been home to the Platypus since it was built in 1908. However, this ancient animal has almost certainly been part of the fauna here for many millions of years, since its ancestry can be traced to the Age of Dinosaurs and possibly beyond.

A recent study on Jenolan’s platypuses tied to the desedimentation works at the Blue Lake was conducted in order to protect platypus habitat and prevent injury to any platypus that might enter the work zone. The research team includes Jenolan staff member Dr Anne Musser (platypus monitor), Dr Tom Grant (platypus biologist) and Dr Eren Turak (aquatic ecologist). Results of their study, to be published shortly, have taught us much about the behaviour of our platypuses and their movements around the waterways at Jenolan, with several surprises in store (did you know that platypuses are great climbers?). Monitoring is ongoing, with more surprises and insights certain to be discovered.