The Platypus became locally extinct in the Royal National Park many decades ago…..nobody really knows why, but there are hypotheses including isolation, increased sedimentation and polution that could have been the cause.
Whatever the cause of this local extinction, in 2022 a project was commenced to determine if platypus could be rewilded into the Royal National Park. Australia’s oldest National Park next to Australia’s largest city is a wonder. The Hacking River meanders and sometimes rages right through its heart and it was thought this river might still provide prime habitat for platypuses. The project was led by the University of New South Wales and included the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Taronga Conservation Society, NPWS and volunteers from Friends of Royal (FoR).
Now just 3 years later we can confidently say that the project has far exceeded everyone’s expectations. Introduced platypuses are not just surviving in the Hacking they are also successfully breeding.
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We are a enthusiastic and dedicated bunch of individuals and groups from all walks of life and with various interests, but drawn together by the common goals of protecting, preserving and appreciating the Royal and the surrounding National Parks.
Among our aims, the current focus is to encourage and enlist volunteer support for more scientific research, litter removal and bush regeneration / weed removal in particular. Check the link below for details.
Voluntary activities run regularly and are a great way to help preserve and protect this beautiful area and to meet like minded people. Volunteering is fun!!
Volunteer expression of interest form
A Volunteer calendar is available for the next three months
