Article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200121112922.htm
Picture Link: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2Fr%2Faww%2Fcomments%2Fco0fe0%2Fperry_the_platypus%2F&psig=AOvVaw0UXmCXfdRLjeDKepWSzL3x&ust=1585606683393000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJjH46rbwOgCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAF
There was a time in the past 100 years when the Platypus was considered an abundant species throughout the lands of Australia and Tasmania. While not much about the Platypus is general knowledge, the Platypus has been an important animal in its respective ecosystem for as long as it's lived on this Earth. However, in a new study conducted by UNSW Sydney's Centre for Ecosystem Science, the Platypus is seemingly nearing extinction.
According to scientists, the Platypus' secretive and nocturnal lifestyle has caused humans to neglect their well being as a species over time, and the species is now facing the threat of extinction. The Sydney study was published in the International Scientific Sournal Biological Conservation in early January, and the study looked at the potential combination of threats to platypus populations; which includes lack of water resource development, humans land clearing, climate change and increasingly severe periods of drought. Scientists attribute a large portion of these threats to human interaction and general commercial pollution. With pollution around dams and constant fishing and environmental disruption, the Platypus has been pushed out of its habitat and people need to do a much better job to save them and keep their ecosystem intact.
The potential extinction of the Platypus relates to Ecology in many ways. Firstly, humans have once again demonstrated their overuse of land and negative impact on animals. Ecology discusses limiting the carbon footprint of humans and aiming to sustain and help conserve ecosystems and not harms them. The scientists believe this can be achieved in order to help the Platypus survive in ways such as "increasing monitoring, tracking trends, mitigating threats, and protecting and improving management of freshwater habitats." Furthermore, when an animal becomes depleted and/or extinct in can disrupt the food chain and the balance of the food chain, and in class we have discussed ways this can negatively affect humans. Whether it results in a lack of resources or wildlife due to the Platypus' extinction, humans will not benefit from the loss of this species and will most likely be negatively affected. Because of this, people need to take a closer look on their horrible contributions to pollution and the eventual climate change, as it is clearly a huge factor in the survival of wildlife.
Moreover, I personally have never seen or read anything about the Platypus before finding this article. With that being said, I am now very concerned about the well being of the platypus and will be looking more into the situation as time unfolds. No species that contributes to the environment should be nearly extinct because of things that we as humans have practically caused to happen. The Platypus was already considered an endangered species in South Australia and humans should have been doing their best to limit impact on their habitats and to watch them closely. I am especially thankful to read that scientists are now doing their best to save the Platypus species and conserve their habitats. What would the ecosystem in Australia be like without the Platypus? I'm sure a lot would change and it would affect humans in some way. Hopefully, the Platypus makes a recovery as a species. I grew up watching Phineas and Ferb- and Perry the Platypus was my favorite character so I take this situation personally!
I think it is interesting that the secretive nature of platypi is part of the reason that humans have neglected them. I myself had no idea that platypi were in danger of going extinct. Like many all species, the platypus is an important part of the ecosystem, and removing it might completely disrupt the ecosystem. Thus, we should all care about the platypus (especially if you have ever watched Phineas and Ferb.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear that the wellbeing of this species has been mostly neglected by humans. Furthermore, the reason why they are going extinct is because of the impact human activity has had on them. At the same time, I like how you mentioned there are ways that humans can help this species regain its former prominence. I also like how you emphasized that the extinction of the platypus will have a negative impact on the ecosystems that depend on them and humans.
ReplyDeleteYou don't normally think about platypi on the day to day basis and that is why enjoyed learning about this topic. Not necessarily enjoyed in the way that I'm happy to hear about the neglect to the platypi, but i'm glad I am now informed and can hopefully raise awareness on this topic in the future.
ReplyDeleteThe decline of these species is sad and I was not aware of this happening. I agree that it is goof to hear about the effort to save this species.
ReplyDeleteYou don't often hear much about platypi but, it is an animal we have all heard of. It's sad to think that our actions are endangering this species and we will one day reach a point time where they are not widely recognized if we don't make changes. Yes, we can negatively affect them, but we also can help them flourish, If we value our world's unique species, we should be making more of an effort to preserve them.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea of the harmful effects that humans have had on the platypus species. Since humans have over-consumption tendencies it has affected land use. Also I feel like you related the topic really well to what were studying in class.
ReplyDeleteIt is adorable that you tie it to phineas and ferb as it is a show many of us love. The harm we have done to platypus is similar to the fragmentation problem that we watched in class recently.
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting read because I honestly wasn't sure if this was a real animal! That is how little it is shown any more. Also, to hear it was considered abundant is crazy! It is sad and scary the effect humans have on species and wildlife.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you connected it to the media we watch today. Platypus's are such cool animals because they lay eggs! We need to do better for these amazing species.
ReplyDeleteI really like this topic and it is also kind of sad that how people are affecting to the environment and to the animals.
ReplyDeleteI loved Phineas and Ferb too! It is shocking and unfortunate that the platypus population has been decreasing due to human interaction. As with all species, they are innocent animals and do not deserve to die because of humans' actions. Hopefully more attention can be brought to this issue in the future.
ReplyDeleteLoved Phineas and Ferb as a kid. It is unfortunate how human activity is harming the Platypus population. We need to do better at protecting vulnerable species, especially considering how many animal species have already perished because of humans.
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