Platypus disappear from five locations around south-east Queensland, research reveals

Populations of platypus have disappeared from Brisbane’s creeks and waterways, according to new research from the University of Queensland.

Over the past five years, researchers have been sampling water from more than 50 waterways in and around Brisbane, testing for the animal’s DNA.

Researcher Tamielle Brunt said the sampling technique was one of the best ways to detect the presence of the famously elusive monotreme.

“Platypus swim in the water, they poo in the water, you can…