Distribution and characteristics of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Murrumbidgee catchment

作者：Connolly Joanne H^*; Claridge Tom; Cordell Sarah M; Nielsen Sharon; Dutton Geoff J

来源：Australian Mammalogy, 2016, 38(1): 58-67.

DOI：10.1071/AM14039

• capture
• condition score
• morphometrics
• Murray-Darling basin
• population

Little is known of the current status of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) populations in the Murrumbidgee catchment and other west-flowing rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin. Platypus distribution in the Murrumbidgee catchment was determined from sightings, reports by government departments, the literature and a capture-release study. The platypus was found to be widespread in the catchment, including all subcatchment and elevation categories, but most reports were from the middle and upper subcatchments. Sixty-five captures of 55 individual platypuses were made during 61 trap-nights to 31 study sites in the Murrumbidgee catchment during 2009-10. Only three juveniles (all females) were captured and recapture rates were low, with only nine platypuses captured more than once. Adult males had body weights of 980-2180 g and body lengths of 42-60 cm (n = 32). Adult females weighed 795-1480 g and were 38-52 cm long (n = 20). Tail fat index was significantly affected by season and platypus age, while in comparison, season, platypus length and weight had a significant effect on tail volume index. This study established a baseline that provides a starting point from which the impacts of environmental disturbances or diseases occurring over time can be measured and investigated.

• 出版日期2016