Platypus

Abstract

Since it first became known to European scientists and naturalists in 1798, the platypus has been the subject of controversy, interest and absolute wonder. Found only in Australia, the platypus is a mammal that lays eggs but, like other mammals, it has fur and suckles its young on milk. Many early biologists who visited the British colonies in Australia, including Charles Darwin, went out of their way to observe this remarkable animal. In Australia today the species is considered to be an icon, but one that many Australians have never seen in the wild.
 This book presents established factual information about the platypus and examines the most recent research findings, along with some of the colourful history of the investigation of its biology. This completely updated edition covers its anatomy, distribution and abundance, breeding, production of venom, unique senses, ecology, ancestry and conservation. It includes a 'Frequently Asked Questions' section for the general reader and, for those wishing to find out more detailed information, a comprehensive reference list.

Evaluating the capacity of constructed wetlands to sustain a captive population of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

“…There has been only one confirmed death. Platypuses live for approximately 20 years in the wild (Grant 2007) and it may be that many of the original Platypuses still inhabit Warrawong. Aside from births, the population has had no new recruitment: the feral predator-proof fence also prevents immigrants and there have been no new introductions.…”

“…Current research suggests that Platypus abundance and d i s t r i b u t i o n r e l i e s o n d e f i n e d a q u a t i c h a b i t a t characteristics, including consolidated banks, overhanging vegetation and relatively shallow water (Gust & Handasyde 1995;Ellem et al 1998;Grant & TempleSmith 1998;Grant 2007). These preferred habitat characteristics have been altered, in some places extensively, since European settlement.…”

“…It is a nocturnal species that sleeps in constructed riverbank burrows during the day and uses electric and tactile sensors to forage for food at night (Proske & Gregory 2003;Grant 2007 Island to Warrawong (Gemmell et al 1995;De Alessi 2003), with an additional female translocated two years later, in February 1990 (Gemmell et al 1995). No further introductions have been made since that time.…”

“…Activities associated with European settlement have contributed to the reduction of Platypus numbers in South Australia, leading to their eventual disappearance from the State's streams and rivers (Carrick 2004;Grant 2007). The last confirmed wild Platypus sighting in South Australia was in the 1940s.…”

“…The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a unique aquatic Australian monotreme, living for up to 21 years in the wild (Jackson et al 2003;Grant 2007), and is listed as 'least concern' in the IUCN threatened species listing (Lunney et al 2008). It is a nocturnal species that sleeps in constructed riverbank burrows during the day and uses electric and tactile sensors to forage for food at night (Proske & Gregory 2003;Grant 2007 Island to Warrawong (Gemmell et al 1995;De Alessi 2003), with an additional female translocated two years later, in February 1990 (Gemmell et al 1995).…”