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Platypus habitat has shrunk by 22 per cent in 30 years, study finds
Researchers state that climate change and it's effect on rivers present a serious risk to the future of platypus populaitons.

Researchers call for better protection for Australian waterways

Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia are urging the Australian government to list the platypus as a threatened species, after research found that the animals habitat has shrunk by 22 per cent since 1990.

The platypus is currently listed as 'near-threatened' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However it is not listed as threatened under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

A team of researchers from the Centre for Ecosystem Science (CES) at UNSW found that the area of Eastern Australia where platypuses are found has shrunk by up to 22 per cent – about 77,000 sq miles – over the past 30 years.

“We recorded the most severe declines in platypus observations in NSW – particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin, where natural river systems and water flows have been the most heavily modified,” said lead author Dr Tahneal Hawke.

The team cited disruption of habitat, extreme droughts and introduced predators as some of the major threats affecting the species. It added that listing the platypus as 'threatened' would prioritise monitoring and protection of the animal and it's habitat.

The UNSW researchers have submitted their recommendations to the Commonwealth and NSW Government’s scientific committees, in collaboration with the Australian Conservation Foundation, WWF Australia and Humane Society International Australia.

Lead author Professor Richard Kingsford said: “We have a national and international responsibility to look after this unique animal and the signs are not good. Platypus are declining and we need to do something about threats to the species before it is too late.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.