“Critical conservation programs, such as our platypus conservation recovery program, cannot happen without the support from our partners. The knowledge and expertise within our two sites, drives our tangible conservation outcomes, and has the power to make a legacy impact for threatened species. Supporting people and skills provides the necessary fire for change and is one of the most crucial factors in project success. A heart-felt thank you to Australian Power Equipment for their continued engagement and support. Your partnership is making a difference to the future of the platypus”. - Dr Phoebe Meagher, Wildlife Conservation Officer, Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
TARONGA’S ROLE WITH PLATYPUS
· The platypus is one of the world’s last remaining monotremes, and like many other Australian wildlife, is susceptible to the impacts of climate change and habitat loss. The Platypus plays an important role in the food web and ecology of Australian freshwater ecosystems.
· Taronga has made a conservation commitment to the Platypus to protect them in the wild including opening the world's largest platypus conservation centre - Platypus Rescue HQ at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo in February 2024. This facility will allow researchers and staff to refine the conservation strategy for platypus by filling knowledge gaps across the species’ breeding behaviour, biology and genetics.
· A joint research project with university and industry partners will assess impacts of climate change on platypus; measuring their response to changing environmental variables and impacts on reproductive success.
· Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a leader in the fields of conservation, research, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.
· Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation with an absolute commitment to conservation and securing a shared future for wildlife and people.
Australian Power Equipment Sustainability Goals
· Australian Power Equipment is supporting Taronga by providing resource funding towards keeping staff dedicated to the Platypus program
· Australian Power Equipment's’ funding allows Taronga to dedicate a Platypus Project Lead, from the husbandry team, to focus on developing operational, husbandry and scientific guidelines and operate our purpose-built refuge and research facility at Taronga Zoo Sydney. This position will also share and gain skills through participation in field work and wild animal handling and processing. Having a dedicated position allows capacity to manage and collect species data that will feed into conservation strategies for the species.
· Australian Power Equipment is a Corporate Partner of Taronga Conservation Society Australia and is a ‘Conservation Resource Contributor towards Platypus research.’
#sustainability #platypusresearch #tarongaconservationssocietyaustralia #australianwildlife #conservation #australianpowerequipment
Comments