Results of 2025 eDNA testing of water in Enoggera and Fish Creeks have shown that the overall biodiversity of our creeks is in good shape. The elusive Rakali Hydromys chrysogaster were present along with 17 species of native fish including Australian Lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri. No Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus were recorded but there was evidence of the crustaceans and macroinvertebrates which platypus like to eat.
In February 2026 SOWN and The Gap Sustainability Initiative (TGSI) members were presented with the results of 2025 eDNA surveys of Fish and Enoggera Creeks by marine biologist Dr Fanny de Busserolles with analysis by Dr Andrew Turley from the Atlas of Living Australia. The surveys are a joint project of SOWN and TSGI with a primary aim of working to fix the causes of local Platypus extinction and to return them to our catchment. Overall 1356 species of plants and animals were found – an increase on 495 on 2024 results. This was partly due to significant improvements to DNA testing methods and additions to the reference database which allowed more local species to be identified.
For the first time the creeks were surveyed for pesticide and herbicide pollution which were both found to be at levels that are threatening to aquatic animals and plants. While disappointing, this provides important information to understand what needs to be done to improve water quality and make Enoggera Creek habitable for Platypus again.
If you would like to participate in future eDNA surveys please contact SOWN.
View 2026 eDNA presentation as a PDF.
Dr Fanny de Busserolles at the seminar. Photo: The Gap Sustainability Initiative
