World first platypus sanctuary to be built in Australia

 Australian conservationists on Wednesday unveiled plans to build the world’s first refuge for the platypus.

Recently, Australian conservationists have announced the creation of the world’s first sanctuary with the aim of promoting the breeding and rehabilitation of the platypus. Keep in mind that duck-billed mammal is going extinct due to climate change.

The Taronga Conservation Society (Australia) and the New South Wales State Government plan to build a specialist facility for semi-aquatic animals, mostly ponds, and dens in a zoo, 391 km from Sydney, by 2022.

In late 2019 and early 2020, a fierce forest fire destroyed a 12.6 million hectare (31 million acres) population of the platypus. Researchers estimate that if the climatic conditions remain precarious, the platypus may become extinct by 46 to 66 per cent in the next 50 years.

The platypus is a cute, web-legged animal that usually lives around slow-moving rivers in cold temperatures. It is one of only two egg-laying mammals.

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