Mine’s money helps more platypuses join thriving Royal National Park population Claimed

UNIVERSITY of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney’s Platypus Conservation Initiative has expanded its landmark program after a major new donation to help restore species in the wild.

Two years after the historic return of platypuses to Royal National Park, researchers from UNSW Sydney have launched the second phase of this landmark conservation program, with the introduction of three more platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) to the Hacking River in the Royal National Park.

UNSW researchers embarked on the next phase of the project following a $630,000 funding boost over the next three years from Peabody’s Metropolitan Mine. The staged reintroduction over three years will continue to prioritise genetic diversity, supported by intensive monitoring and adaptive management.

“This funding strengthens our ability to continue this important work and reflects a shared commitment to restoring a healthy and diverse platypus population in Royal National Park,” Dr Bino said.

The three new platypusES are part of a planned 10 new platypuses that will be reintroduced to the Royal National Park over the next three years, with the aim to strengthen genetic diversity and support a