Take action for Platypus!
Published on 05 October 2025
September was Platypus Month, a time to spotlight the need to protect one of Australia's most iconic and unique animals - the platypus! These shy, semi-aquatic mammals continue to face threats from a silent killer in our waterways: loopy litter. But the effort doesn't end in September. Protecting platypuses is a year-round responsibility, and every action counts.
Rubber bands, hair ties, plastic rings, fishing line, string, and twine can become deadly traps for platypuses. As they forage underwater with their eyes closed, these items can easily become entangled around their bills, necks, or bodies, causing serious injury or even death. This doesn't stop with Platypus either, often birds and other small animals who forage can have the same fate.
How Does Litter Reach Platypus Habitats?
In urban areas, rain washes litter into stormwater drains, which flow directly into rivers, creeks, and lakes. This means that even litter dropped far from a waterway can end up in platypus territory. Once there, loopy litter poses a serious threat to platypuses and other wildlife.
Why Is Loopy Litter So Dangerous?
Platypus hunt by swimming along riverbeds with their eyes closed, using sensitive receptors in their bills to detect prey like insect larvae, yabbies, shrimp, worms, and snails. During this process, they can easily become entangled in loops of litter.
Spring: A Critical Time for Platypus
Spring marks the breeding season for platypuses in Victoria. As they search for mates, they become more active—and more vulnerable. Your actions this month can make a real difference.
If you spot a platypus, report it using PlatypusSPOT. Every sighting helps scientists better understand platypus populations and how to protect them.
So what can you do?
- Seize it: Pick up litter! Especially loopy litter. Whenever you see it. Litter on the ground often ends up in our rivers and creeks.
- Snip it: Before disposing of items like rubber bands or hair ties, snip them to break the loop and reduce the risk of entanglement.
- Bin it: Always dispose of litter properly to prevent it from entering stormwater systems and reaching platypus habitats.
Every Action Counts
Whether you're out for a walk, cleaning up your local park, or simply disposing of household waste, remember: Seize it, Snip it, Bin it. Together, we can keep our waterways clean and safe for platypuses and other wildlife.
This message is shared with thanks to the efforts of platypusSPOT, Ecology Australia, and all the dedicated ecologists and volunteers working to protect our native biodiversity.