A rare white platypus has been discovered living in a stream on the Northern Tablelands of NSW by a group of researchers from the University of New England (UNE).
The extraordinary discovery was made during surveys for endangered western saw-shelled turtles (also known as Bell’s turtle), and is one of just 12 documented instances of white or albino platypus since 1803.
“We often see platypus during our surveys, but we were amazed when we first caught a glimpse of the white platypus dabbling on the surface of the stream,” says PhD candidate, Lou Streeting. “It stayed on the surface just long enough for us to capture a short video before disappearing with a splash.”
The platypus has bright white fur, but its bill, tail and feet are dark. As it has some pigmentation, the platypus has been described as a leucistic form rather than an albino.
“Hypo-pigmentary conditions can result in white or pale coloured animals being more conspicuous to predators, such as foxes, birds of prey, and potentially cats, but so far this individual is doing well”.
Many people may never encounter this unique mammal in the wild and we were fortunate to observe, and capture footage of, this rare white platypus.
Lou says platypus are also susceptible to drowning in submersible traps, entanglement in discarded fishing line and plastic rubbish.
Despite this, Lou and the research team have spotted the white platypus on multiple occasions over a two-year period.
“Platypus are one of the world’s most extraordinary animals,” she says. “Many people may never encounter this unique mammal in the wild and we were fortunate to observe, and capture footage of, this rare white platypus.
“In light of the intriguing discovery, we are reminded of the incredible diversity and wonder that our waterways can hold.
“These environments are not just home to endangered species like the western saw-shelled turtle, but also to other truly unique and extraordinary creatures like this rare white platypus.”
The discovery has been published in Australian Mammalogy and has been featured on the Australian Geographic website.
