Brisbane's platypus are disappearing. Tell the Queensland government to save their habitat.

Brisbane isn't the heartland of platypus habitat, but it's always sustained a steady population of the unique mammals. Until now.

Platypus can found all along Australia's east coast and were once not-infrequently sighted around Enoggera Creek and Cabbage Tree Creek. But new reports found there has been an alarming drop in Queensland's platypus population. What's worse is the government isn't even paying close attention. We rely on community members and local nonprofits to get simple population counts. This isn't a sustainable wildlife management plan. That means that the species could disappear from the area right under our noses.

As Brisbane and the surrounding areas develop, platypus habitat is consumed by human neighborhoods. The parts that aren't paved and built on are nonetheless carved up into a patchwork of unconnected areas. Without the ability to move freely to find mates, disease and inbreeding can weaken the platypus who are still surviving.

What's happening in Brisbane is mirrored around the country. A new study shows that platypus are declining much faster than we'd previously thought. That means we must do everything we can to protect those we have left.

Sign the petition to urge the government of Queensland to actively track local platypus populations and protect their habitat before they're gone from the region forever.