Surprise result in eDNA survey

Above: A platypus in South Pine River near Kumbartcho Environmental Centre. Picture Bruce Duffy

A monitoring project has revealed platypus are more widespread in the City of Moreton Bay than first thought.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling has found platypus in the Caboolture, North Pine, South Pine, Stanley and Maroochy River catchments.

Council’s third annual monitoring found platypuses in at least 37 creeks and rivers and all major water catchments.

“The results from the project to date show our platypus population is a lot more widespread than we first anticipated,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“There was even a positive result in Conflagration Creek at one of our major industrial areas, which demonstrates our proactive management of waterways and the ability of the species to persist in our more urban creeks.

“Beyond the program, we’ve had sightings of platypuses in farm dams and in urban areas – one of Council’s Environment Officers even spotted one crossing Forest Hills Drive near Morayfield.”

The Platypus eDNA Monitoring Project is done in platypus breeding season (July and August) when it is easier to detect the animal’s DNA.

Using an innovative sampling approach helps detect platypus presence without disturbing the animals or their habitat.

A negative sample result doesn’t mean platypus are in the waterway, just there may not have been enough DNA present for one to be detected.

However, camera traps and community sightings confirmed platypus presence at several locations where eDNA results were negative.

Council ran a pilot of the Platypus eDNA Monitoring Project in 2023, with samples from 84 sites yielding 36 positive results for platypus DNA.

The program was expanded to 155 sites in 2024, with platypus DNA at 71 sites.

This year, the figure jumped to 90 positive results, with platypus DNA in 37 waterways from Albany Creek to Stony Creek.

“While it’s too early to say whether the City’s platypus population is growing, the results are promising,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Importantly, this project will help Council to safeguard platypus habitat though proactive management of the species and their environment to aid long-term survival, and over time will establish a baseline to track trends and help identify population changes.”

Platypus data is available on Council’s website: City Of Moreton Bay Datahub