QUICK ACTION FREES PLATYPUS FROM DANGEROUS ‘LOOPY LITTER’

In late March, scientists from the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) had a special encounter on the Gellibrand River, helping a Platypus in need.

The lucky female platypus is back swimming freely after being found with a dangerous piece of litter wrapped around her neck – a rubber band!

The ARI team spotted the platypus during their fieldwork and quickly realised she had become entangled in a rubber band. The scientists were able to safely remove the band before releasing her back into the river.

Elastic bands, hair ties and plastic rings — often called ‘loopy litter’ — can easily find their way into waterways, where they pose a serious risk to wildlife. For platypus, these items can cause injury, restrict movement or even become life‑threatening.

The community is encouraged to take simple steps to reduce harm by following the message: Seize it, Snip it, Bin it. That means collecting litter where you see it, cutting loops before disposal, and making sure waste ends up securely in the bin.

The rescue also shines a light on the important work happening locally to support platypus populations. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Platy Patch Project is helping restore habitat and improve river health across the catchment, supporting platypus and other threatened species.

Platy Patch is jointly funded by the Australian Government, the Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water. You can find out more about the project here: https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/platy-patch/

Platypus populations across Australia are facing growing pressures from habitat loss, climate change, water quality issues and entanglement hazards. Small actions by individuals can make a real difference.

This one encounter on the Gellibrand River shows just how important it is — and how simple choices can help give these iconic animals the future they deserve.

The ARI team were on the Gellibrand River to survey fish as part of their work for the Native Fish Report Card program, funded by DEECA and the Victorian Fisheries Authority.