This venomous creature hadn't been seen for 60 years: it has just reappeared

According to the BBC, the population of this species is experiencing a major decline, which could reach 30% over the next 20 years.

Due to the rarity of this species, the "Eyes on Country" programme has even been developed by WWF-Australia. As reported by the media outlet Linternaute, this programme aims to help Indigenous communities in Australia care for and monitor the surrounding wildlife using their knowledge, as well as through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence or drones. Thus, WWF-Australia aims to preserve the country's exceptional biodiversity. In total, more than 400,000 images have been captured for further analysis.

In 4 photographs of waterways located north of Kuranda, the Djabugay Bulmba rangers had the pleasant surprise of an appearance by a…platypus. An exceptional occurrence since in this region, the animal had not been identified or seen for 60 years, indicates Linternaute. However, this place used to be described as "the land of the platypus", highlights WWF.

“A project about culture and people”

The discovery reassures people as it shows the survival of the species in question. "Everyone was so happy. It was the first time everyone had seen one around Kuranda," ranger Alfred Hunter told Yahoo News. And the coordinator of Eyes on Country at WWF-Australia, Emma Spencer, affirmed that "it's not just a conservation project. It's also a project about culture and people".

Fact: The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal known for its unique appearance: a beaver tail, otter feet, and a duckbill. It is primarily found in Tasmania and eastern Australia. Moreover, the male platypus can be venomous. It possesses a spur on its hind legs that can release a powerful venom capable of paralysing a human limb.

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Linternaute - Illustration: ©Unsplash)