
Knowledge of platypus abundance across the distribution of the species is limited.
Knowledge of platypus abundance across the distribution of the species is limited. They are generally considered common, but there is mounting evidence of localised declines and extinctions (Bino et al. 2019; Hawke et al. 2019a; Woinarski et al. 2014). There are few studies able to assess changes in populations trends, most of which have been undertaken at relatively localised scales, highlighting knowledge gaps across the range. We compiled available platypus literature (peer reviewed articles, reports, theses; 220 sources), resulting in 127 studies that undertook surveys or used platypus samples that could be assigned to a river region (Geoscience Australia 1997). Studies mainly focused on populations in Tasmania, the greater Melbourne area, and south eastern NSW.
The distribution and number of studies (peer reviewed articles, reports, and theses) across the distribution of the platypus: