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A recent trapping survey has confirmed that platypus
are breeding successfully right in the heart of Skipton township. The all night research session along the Mount Emu Creek was conducted by the Australian Platypus Conservancy, in collaboration with Skipton's Stewart Park Committee. A baby female was one of six platypuses found in the 5 kilometre section of the creek. Weighing in at just 680 grams, the tiny juvenile had probably only first ventured out of her burrow a week or so previously. Geoff Williams, biologist with the Conservancy, said that the youngster was in really good condition and her presence confirmed that successful breeding is taking place in the township. Lorna Smith, from the Stewart Park Committee, said that most of the platypus recorded in the current survey- and also those found during the previous session last August- had been located at the site closest to the park, right in the centre of Skipton. "Many people believe that platypus are shy creatures that live far away from towns. In fact, platypus are quite capable of living in close proximity to people, Provided we look after our rivers and creeks." She said that the Committee would continue to work to improve the platypus habitat by removing weeds and introduced vegetation and re-planting with native trees and shrubs. More that twenty members of the local community attended briefing sessions by the field work team and watched as platypus were examined before being returned to the wild. The survey was funded by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority as part of its monitoring of the healthy waterways. or further information contact: Australian Platypus Conservancy-Geoff Williams. Telephone 03 9716 1626, email: platypus@vicnet.net.au Stewart Park Committee Lorna Smith Tel 53402129, email:lorna@netconnect.com.au
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