Platypus born in NSW national park where species were once locally extinct

A female baby platypus has been born at New South Wales' Royal National Park more than 50 years after the native animals were declared locally extinct.

Ten platypuses from across the state were placed in the park's waterways less than a year ago in the first translocation program for the species.

Scientists recently surveying the health of the re-introduced mammals discovered a newborn platypus among the group.

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"The little platypus is in excellent condition, weighed in at 850 grams and is estimated to be about six months old," the NSW Department for Environment said.

"Her age aligns with the end of the platypus breeding season and means she would have only just emerged from her burrow."

The baby platypus, who will be named by the local Indigenous community, has been microchipped.

Samples were taken from other platypuses to determine her parents.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the baby was a "wonderful discovery",

"Not only are they surviving, but the discovery of a juvenile platypus shows they are thriving, which means the Royal National Park is in great shape," she said.

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Sharpe admitted there was a biodiversity crisis unfolding in the state but said programs like the translocation scheme proved it was possible to bring animals back from the brink.

Platypuses had been locally extinct in the national park for the past five decades after being hit by climate change, droughts, bushfires, habitat fragmentation and pollution.

But ongoing monitoring by scientists has found all 10 re-introduced platypuses are active and adapting well to the environment.

The research team has not ruled out the possibility of more babies in the area and further reintroductions are planned over the coming years, the department confirmed.