Green Adelaide plans to reintroduce one of Australia's most iconic species, the platypus, back into Karrawirra Pari/The River Torrens. As part of an ongoing efforts to restore local ecosystems, the organisation will host an online seminar on Wednesday 21 August from 4-5 pm, for people to learn about the project and the role of the platypus in preserving the region's biodiversity.

The platypus is not only a marvel of nature but also an 'umbrella species' which means that conserving their habitat will protect a wide range of other species within the ecosystem. The seminar will feature Wildlife Ecologist Liberty Olds, who will provide insights into the biology, behaviour and ecological importance of the platypus.

Liberty Olds will also share promising findings from a recent scoping study conducted by Green Adelaide in collaboration with the Nature Glenelg Trust. The study revealed several positive indicators for the potential reintroduction of platypus to the River Torrens.

Among these are high levels of macroinvertebrates, which serve as a crucial food source for platypuses, low levels of litter-based pollution, improved water quality, and the availability of suitable habitats.

The seminar will cover the results of recent Environmental DNA testing, which has been instrumental in detecting the presence or absence of platypus in the region's rivers. These findings, coupled with ongoing conservation efforts, lay the groundwork for the successful rewilding of the platypus in Adelaide.

This event is an opportunity for the community, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts to engage with the innovative efforts aimed at enhancing the biodiversity of Adelaide's river systems. Green Adelaide's rewilding project is not just about bringing back the platypus; it's a step towards creating a cooler, greener, and wilder Adelaide for future generations.

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