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1
Griffiths, Josh, Tom Kelly, and Andrew Weeks. "Net-avoidance behaviour in platypuses." Australian Mammalogy 35, no. 2 (2013): 245. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am12051.
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It has been suggested that platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) may avoid nets following capture, compromising abundance estimates using mark–recapture models. Here, we present the first direct evidence of net avoidance behaviour by the platypus. Using acoustic telemetry, we record a platypus bypassing several nets following capture. Understanding variation in capture probabilities will lead to better estimation of platypus abundance, which is currently lacking.
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Furlan, Elise, J. Griffiths, N. Gust, et al. "Is body size variation in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) associated with environmental variables?" Australian Journal of Zoology 59, no. 4 (2011): 201. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo11056.
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The body size of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is known to vary across both its latitudinal range and relatively short geographic distances. Here we consider how variation in platypus length and weight associates with environmental variables throughout the species’ range. Based on data from over 800 individuals, a Bergmann’s cline (increased body size in regions of lower temperature) was detected across the species latitudinal range. The opposite association, however, was present at smaller scales when comparing platypus body size and temperature within southern mainland Australia, or within an individual river basin. Temperature regimes alone clearly did not dictate body size in platypuses, although disentangling the effects of different climatic variables on body size variation was difficult because of correlations amongst variables. Nevertheless, within suitable platypus habitat in south-eastern Australia, areas of relatively lower rainfall and higher temperatures were typically associated with larger-bodied platypuses. The potential benefits to larger-bodied animals living under these conditions are explored, including consideration of variation in energy expenditure and food availability. Assuming these associations with environmental variables are biologically significant, a shift in platypus body size is anticipated in the future with predicted changes in climate.
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Connolly, Joanne H. "A review of mucormycosis in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)." Australian Journal of Zoology 57, no. 4 (2009): 235. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo09043.
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Many infectious agents and parasites have been reported from the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), but most do not cause serious disease. The fungus, Mucor amphibiorum, is the only disease agent known to cause significant morbidity and mortality in the free-living platypus in Tasmania. Infection has also been reported in free-ranging cane toads and green tree frogs from mainland Australia, but not confirmed in platypuses from the mainland. This paper reviews mucormycosis in the platypus and includes the epidemiology, clinical features, mycology, pathology as well as possible surveillance, treatment and/or control modalities. The emergence and geographical spread of mucormycosis as a disease entity in Tasmanian platypuses from 1982 till 2005 are discussed. The host, agent and environment factors of the traditional epidemiological paradigm are discussed as they contribute to the conditions that lead to the selection or emergence of Mucor amphibiorum as a pathogen in a population of platypuses.
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Connolly, Joanne H., Tom Claridge, Sarah M. Cordell, Sharon Nielsen, and Geoff J. Dutton. "Distribution and characteristics of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Murrumbidgee catchment." Australian Mammalogy 38, no. 1 (2016): 58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am14039.
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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.
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Lin, Minjie, and R. C. Jones. "Spermiogenesis And the Cycle of The Seminiferous Epithelium in The Platypus, Ornithorhynchus Anatinus." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 306. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98313.
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Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308. Ultrastructural studies of spermiogenesis in platypuses indicate that they display some unique features. The origin and morphology of the perforatorium are different than in sperm from birds and therian mammals, and development of the fibrous sheath of the principal piece starts much later in the platypus. However, some features of spermiogenesis in the platypus are similar to birds, but different from therian mammals. For example, the dense granules in the developing acrosome of therian mammals are absent in platypus spermatids. Other features of spermiogenesis in the platypus are similar to processes described in therian mammals, but not birds. For example, the acrosome of platypus sperm is not confined to the rostral surface of the nucleus as in avian sperm, but extends laterally over the nucleus as in sperm from therian mammals. Further, during spermiation the tubulobulbar complexes were also observed in the platypus. Sixteen steps of spermatid development were identified and used to classify the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium into 12 stages. The area of the wall of a seminiferous tubule, which is occupied by a stage of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the platypus (about 6-8 stages of the cycle per tubular cross-section), is between that of therian mammals (1-4 stages) and birds (up to 12 stages). The cycle ofseminiferous epithelium will provide a basis to determine the rate of sperm production in the platypus.
6
Gust, Nick, and Josh Griffiths. "Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) body size, condition and population structure in Tasmanian river catchments: variability and potential mucormycosis impacts." Wildlife Research 38, no. 4 (2011): 271. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr10162.
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Context Despite widespread interest in platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) conservation, it is unclear how their fundamental morphometric and demographic characteristics differ over a range of scales. This hampers impact assessments and understanding of platypus ecology. Although the ulcerative fungal disease mucormycosis has infected platypuses in Tasmania for three decades, its population level impacts and conservation significance remain unknown. Aims This study examined morphometric and demographic patterns in Tasmanian platypuses to provide a basis for investigating impacts of mucormycosis or other anthropogenic disturbances. It also sought to identify important spatial scales of natural variability and the magnitude of seasonal variation in platypus body size, condition and population structure. The hypothesis of higher mucormycosis prevalence and mortality in adult males was also investigated. Methods Extensive live-trapping surveys were conducted from January 2008 to July 2009 in 75 streams and 18 river catchments across Tasmania including King Island. The sex, age, body size, tail volume index, health and moult condition of 195 individuals were assessed, and population age and sex structures characterised. Sampling focussed on assessing variability within and between river catchments and compared populations in river catchments with contrasting disease status. Key results Differences in platypus morphometrics within and between catchments and seasonal moulting patterns were detected. Adult males had higher fat stores than adult females, especially during winter. This study also provided the first evidence of population level consequences of disease in platypuses. The demographic group most commonly affected by mucormycosis was confirmed to be adult males. Differences in male age structure among catchments of varying disease status were consistent with the hypothesis of higher adult male mortality rates and turnover in currently affected catchments. Conclusions More than 25 years after mucormycosis was first detected in Tasmanian platypuses, the disease continues to play a low-level, ongoing role in affected populations. Implications The present study provides the first systematic multi-scale spatial investigation of platypus mucormycosis, which contributes to unravelling the epidemiology of the disease and detecting its impacts. By identifying the magnitude and important scales of morphometric and demographic differences in Tasmanian platypuses the study also assists researchers choose comparable demographic groups and spatial scales for meaningful comparisons in future impact studies.
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Turnbull, R. W. "Distribution of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Bombala River Catchment, South-Eastern New South Wales." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 251. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98251.
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Distribution of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Bombala River catchment in south-eastern New South Wales was surveyed using questionnaires. Platypuses were reported from all streams in the catchment. The majority of positive sightings were from downstream areas whereas very few positive sightings were reported from headwater areas. The difference between frequencies of headwater and downstream reports of sightings was significant. The platypus was considered common throughout the catchment.
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Macgregor, J. W., C. S. Holyoake, S. Munks, et al. "Novel use of in-stream microchip readers to monitor wild platypuses." Pacific Conservation Biology 20, no. 4 (2014): 376. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc140376.
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A variety of techniques have been used to monitor platypus populations to assess the impacts of the threats they face, but each technique has limitations. In this study we investigated the novel use of in-stream microchip readers, to remotely monitor the movements of microchipped wild platypuses. Over 13 months, we recorded movements of 18 microchipped individuals past nine fixed locations in the Inglis Catchment in northwest Tasmania, using three units of which all were capable of detecting Trovan® unique microchips and two were additionally capable of detecting ISO microchips. Each site was monitored one or two times, for durations of 8–39 days. We undertook direction of movement investigations during two monitoring periods, by placing the antennas from two systems in the same creek within 3 m of each other. In a total of 264 days of monitoring, 528 platypus observations were made from 18 individual platypuses, consisting of 13 of 18 (72%) platypuses captured at the monitoring sites within 16 months prior to monitoring, two platypuses captured at other sites in the same time period, and three of seven (43%) individuals microchipped 3–5 years previously. This number of platypus observations, in combination with the stable number of platypuses observed per day, the range of movement behaviours recorded and the results of the direction of movement investigations, indicates that at appropriate sites, in-stream microchip readers are an effective method of monitoring the movements and survivorship of microchipped wild platypuses.
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Macgregor, J. W., C. S. Holyoake, S. Munks, et al. "Corrigendum to: Novel use of in-stream microchip readers to monitor wild platypuses." Pacific Conservation Biology 21, no. 1 (2015): 101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc140376_co.
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A variety of techniques have been used to monitor platypus populations to assess the impacts of the threats they face, but each technique has limitations. In this study we investigated the novel use of in-stream microchip readers, to remotely monitor the movements of microchipped wild platypuses. Over 13 months, we recorded movements of 18 microchipped individuals past nine fixed locations in the Inglis Catchment in northwest Tasmania, using three units of which all were capable of detecting Trovan® unique microchips and two were additionally capable of detecting ISO microchips. Each site was monitored one or two times, for durations of 8–39 days. We undertook direction of movement investigations during two monitoring periods, by placing the antennas from two systems in the same creek within 3 m of each other. In a total of 264 days of monitoring, 528 platypus observations were made from 18 individual platypuses, consisting of 13 of 18 (72%) platypuses captured at the monitoring sites within 16 months prior to monitoring, two platypuses captured at other sites in the same time period, and three of seven (43%) individuals microchipped 3–5 years previously. This number of platypus observations, in combination with the stable number of platypuses observed per day, the range of movement behaviours recorded and the results of the direction of movement investigations, indicates that at appropriate sites, in-stream microchip readers are an effective method of monitoring the movements and survivorship of microchipped wild platypuses.
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Gemmell, NJ, TR Grant, PS Western, et al. "Determining Platypus Relationships." Australian Journal of Zoology 43, no. 3 (1995): 283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9950283.
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In the summer of 1990-91 the first captive breeding of platypus (Omithorhynchus anatinus) in 47 years, and only the second ever, occurred in a small resident population at Warrawong Sanctuary, South Australia. DNA fingerprinting and analyses employing the maternally inherited mitochondrial genome have been used to determine family relationships within this population Using hypervariable DNA sequences cloned from other species to probe blots of DNA from the Warrawong platypuses, individual-specific banding patterns have been observed that allow the identification of family relationships within the population. A novel method for detecting maternal relationships within platypus populations, based on polymerase chain reaction analyses of the highly polymorphic mitochondrial control region, is also presented.
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Fish, F. E., R. V. Baudinette, P. B. Frappell, and M. P. Sarre. "Energetics of swimming by the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus: metabolic effort associated with rowing." Journal of Experimental Biology 200, no. 20 (1997): 2647–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.200.20.2647.
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The metabolism of swimming in the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus Shaw was studied by measurement of oxygen consumption in a recirculating water flume. Platypuses swam against a constant water current of 0.45-1.0 ms-1. Animals used a rowing stroke and alternated bouts of surface and submerged swimming. Metabolic rate remained constant over the range of swimming speeds tested. The cost of transport decreased with increasing velocity to a minimum of 0.51 at 1.0 ms-1. Metabolic rate and cost of transport for the platypus were lower than values for semiaquatic mammals that swim at the water surface using a paddling mode. However, relative to transport costs for fish, the platypus utilized energy at a similar level to highly derived aquatic mammals that use submerged swimming modes. The efficient aquatic locomotion of the platypus results from its specialised rowing mode in conjunction with enlarged and flexible forefeet for high thrust generation and a behavioral strategy that reduces drag and energy cost by submerged swimming.
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Fjällbrant, Tore T., Paul R. Manger, and John D. Pettigrew. "Some related aspects of platypus electroreception: temporal integration behaviour, electroreceptive thresholds and directionality of the bill acting as an antenna." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences 353, no. 1372 (1998): 1211–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1998.0277.
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This paper focuses on how the electric field from the prey of the platypus is detected with respect to the questions of threshold determination and how the platypus might localize its prey. A new behaviour in response to electrical stimuli below the thresholds previously reported is presented. The platypus shows a voluntary exploratory behaviour that results from a temporal integration of a number of consecutive stimulus pulses. A theoretical analysis is given, which includes the threshold dependence on the number of receptors and temporal integration of consecutive stimuli pulses, the close relationships between electrical field decay across the bill, electroreceptive thresholds and directionality of the platypus bill acting as an antenna. It is shown that a lobe shape, similar to that which has been measured, can be obtained by combining responses in a specific way from receptors sensing the electric field decay across the bill. Two possible methods for such combinations are discussed and analysed with respect to measurements and observed behaviour of the platypus. A number of factors are described which need to be considered when electroreceptive thresholds are to be determined. It is shown that some information about the distance to the source is theoretically available from the pattern of field decay across the platypus's bill. The paper includes a comparative analysis of radar target tracking and platypus prey localization.
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Macgregor, J. W., C. Holyoake, S. Munks, et al. "Assessing body condition in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): a comparison of new and old methods." Australian Journal of Zoology 64, no. 6 (2016): 421. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo16071.
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Body condition is an important aspect of the health of any animal. The current standard method of body condition assessment in the platypus is the tail volume index (TVI). Although the tail is the largest repository of fat in the platypus, the reliability of TVI has not been adequately demonstrated. The aims of this study were, first to assess performance of the TVI, and second, to develop and evaluate performance of new techniques for routine field assessment of platypus body condition. Morphometric data were collected under anaesthesia from 137 adult wild platypuses (74 males, 63 females) captured in north-west Tasmania; ultrasound images of tail fat were also collected from 100 of these individuals (54 males, 46 females). Three new indices for platypus body condition were identified. An objective tail fat index (Relative Tail Fat Volume: RTFVTBL) was developed, based on cross-sectional area measurements taken from detailed ultrasound images compared with total body length (TBL). Two body condition indices intended for routine field use were developed – one based on body mass (mb) and bill width (BW) (Body Condition Index; BCIBW), and the other based on a single linear ultrasonographic measurement of tail fat depth and BW (Relative Fat Depth; RFDBW). Results indicated that RFDBW outperforms TVI as an index of platypus tail fat. Further work, however, is needed to determine the relationship between tail fat and total body fat in the platypus before conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of BCIBW as a body condition index.
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Prevett, P., A. Davidson, and T. Hopf. "Application of a Geographic Information System (GIS) To Characterisation Of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) Habitat At Mount Emu Creek In Western Victoria." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 312. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98327.
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Platypuses appear to have an uneven distribution in Mt. Emu and Baillies Creeks. In the southern reaches of the creek near Skipton platypuses are abundant, whilst in a tributary near Lake Burrumbeet., I0 km to the north of Skipton, platypuses are rarely seen. A comparison of the creekside habitat at the two sites was made and differences in river form, vegetation cover and adjacent land use were identified. All site and platypus data were downloaded into the GIS software mapping package Map info and stored in table format but were accessible through use of the information tool. A digital camera was used to provide supplementary photographic information of creekside conditions. The digital photographs were incorporated directly into the mapwork, facilitating visualisation of the local conditions. Radio tracking showed burrow sites used by platypuses. These were characterised and all data entered into Map info. An attempt has been made to include in the mapwork the relative intensity of use platypuses make of different areas within their home ranges. Expansion of this database with further work and knowledge of platypus requirements should eventually lead to an attempt at predictive mapping of the presence of platypuses in the region.
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McDonald, D. L. "Modification of Stereotypic Behaviour in Captive Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98316.
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Stereotypy is a characteristic occasionally observed in captive animals. This behaviour is regularly associated with animal housing conditions that deviate fundamentally from the species' natural environment. In addition to the detrimental affect it may have on the associated animal, it creates a difficult situation for the public in understanding the presentation of animals in captivity. In April 1996, modification to the platypus exhibit at Healesville Sanctuary resulted in an increased level of light being deflected onto the glass of the shallow tank exhibit. This change in the housing conditions coincided with repetitive circling behaviour by the female platypus and avoidance activity by the male platypus. In addition, the proportion of time spent feeding by the female platypus was reduced. Modification of the exhibit furniture did not significantly alter the female's behaviour. A reduction in the light level being deflected onto the tank resulted in an immediate reduction in the circling behaviour observed for the female. The male resumed free swimming and utilisation of the entire tank. Within two weeks all stereotypic behaviour had ceased and the two platypuses had resumed normal activity patterns.
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Matthews, D. "The Potential Impact of a Proposed Dam on a Platypus Population: A Baseline Study." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 310. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98322.
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The population of the far North Coast of New South Wales is growing rapidly. It is estimated that the number of people served by the Rous County water supply will increase threefold in the next fifty years. Steps are being taken to manage demand and to provide an additional source of water by pumping from the Wilson River at Lismore. It is recognised that a new dam will eventually be required. The dam currently providing the bulk of the Rous County supply is on Rocky Creek near Dorroughby. A second dam is planned for Rocky Creek about 10 km downstream from the existing dam. This will be built near Dunoon about 20 km to the north of Lismore. A preliminary study of the distribution of platypuses in the affected area has been carried out using a program of passive observation. Of the nine pools observed in the program platypuses have been seen in seven. No attempt has been made to estimate the actual size of the platypus population. There appears to be sufficient evidence that the building of the proposed dam could have an impact on the platypus. Recommendations have been addressed to the planners of the dam urging that special provision be made to minimise its impact on the platypus population.
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Fish, F. E., P. B. Frappell, R. V. Baudinette, and P. M. MacFarlane. "Energetics of terrestrial locomotion of the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus." Journal of Experimental Biology 204, no. 4 (2001): 797–803. http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.204.4.797.
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The platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus Shaw displays specializations in its limb structure for swimming that could negatively affect its terrestrial locomotion. Platypuses walked on a treadmill at speeds of 0.19-1.08 m × s(−1). Video recordings were used for gait analysis, and the metabolic rate of terrestrial locomotion was studied by measuring oxygen consumption. Platypuses used walking gaits (duty factor >0.50) with a sprawled stance. To limit any potential interference from the extensive webbing on the forefeet, platypuses walk on their knuckles. Metabolic rate increased linearly over a 2.4-fold range with increasing walking speed in a manner similar to that of terrestrial mammals, but was low as a result of the relatively low standard metabolic rate of this monotreme. The dimensionless cost of transport decreased with increasing speed to a minimum of 0.79. Compared with the cost of transport for swimming, the metabolic cost for terrestrial locomotion was 2.1 times greater. This difference suggests that the platypus may pay a price in terrestrial locomotion by being more aquatically adapted than other semi-aquatic or terrestrial mammals.
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Klamt, Melissa, Jenny A. Davis, Ross M. Thompson, Richard Marchant, and Tom R. Grant. "Trophic relationships of the platypus: insights from stable isotope and cheek pouch dietary analyses." Marine and Freshwater Research 67, no. 8 (2016): 1196. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf15004.
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The unique Australian monotreme, the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) potentially exerts a strong top-down influence on riverine food webs in eastern Australia. However, despite considerable interest in the evolutionary history and physiology of the platypus, little is known of its trophic relationships. To address this lack of knowledge we used stable isotope analysis, in combination with the analysis of food items stored in cheek pouches, to determine its position in a typical riverine food web. This was the essential first step in the process of designing a larger study to investigate the relative importance of top-down and bottom-up effects in rivers where the platypus occurs. We found that platypuses were feeding on a wide range of benthic invertebrates, particularly insect larvae. The similarity of δ13C and δ15N values recorded for the platypus, a native fish (Galaxias sp.) and the exotic mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) indicated dietary overlap and potential competition for the same resources. Although cheek pouch studies identify most of the major groups of prey organisms, the potential for contribution of the soft-bodied organisms such as larval dipterans, is suggested by stable isotope analysis, indicating that the use of both techniques will be important in future ecological investigations.
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Goldney, D. "Developing A Management Plan for The Thredbo River Platypuses." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 301. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98304.
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A management strategy to conserve platypuses in the Thredbo River has been developed for the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Thredbo River flows through a multi-use land system with headwaters in the wilderness area of the Kosciusko National Park. A range of recreational activities dominated by skiing interests centre around Thredbo Village and the Ski-Tube link and their associated infrastructure. Further down the valley the predominant land use on the southern side of the river is grazing on private land. The river's historic confluence with the Snowy River is now the site of Lake Jindabyne, part of the Snowy River Hydro-electric Scheme. The dam wall is assumed to be an impenetrable barrier to platypus movement. The plan was developed on the basis of: *Characterising some aspects of platypus population biology in a 2-year study; * comparing these data with limited baseline data; *Observing and interpreting the impacts of a major flood event on population dynamics coinciding with the ' melt' phenomenon; *Identifying likely impacts on the platypus population particularly in relation to water quality and siltation-sanding and determining the probable trends of these impacts. It was then possible to suggest actions to ameliorate impacts on the platypus.
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Grant, T. R., and K. A. Bishop. "Instream Flow Requirements for The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus):A Review." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 267. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98267.
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A number of human activities have the potential to impact on platypus populations by removing water from streams or by increasing flows. Many of the major habitat requirements associated with the occurrence of platypuses have been established. It should now be possible to include these in the processes of assessing the impacts of proposed riverine and riparian developments and in the formulation of measures to mitigate their impacts. The various methods used to predict and assess the instream flow requirements of other aquatic fauna, particularly fish fauna, are reviewed and their applicability to the investigation of the instream now requirements of the platypus discussed.
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Grant, T. R., P. C. Gehrke, J. H. Harris, and S. Hartley. "Distribution of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in New South Wales: Results of The 1994-96 New South Wales Rivers Survey." Australian Mammalogy 21, no. 2 (1999): 177. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am00177.
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Data from the New South Wales Rivers Survey on the occurrence of platypuses have provided the most recent and comprehensive record of platypus distribution in the State. The species was most commonly reported from the montane and coastal regions, being less common on the western slopes and uncommon in the rivers of the western lowlands. The observations confirmed those from earlier community-based surveys. In contrast to the distribution of native fish species, there appears to have been little change in the overall state-wide distribution of the platypus in response to degrading processes in the rivers of New South Wales, although nothing is known of the stability of their population numbers.
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Ellem, B. A., A. Bryant, and A. O’Connor. "Statistical Modelling of Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, Habitat Preferences Using Generalised Linear Models." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 281. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98281.
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Bryant (1993) collected extensive data on the habitat preferences of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) measured in 36 pools in the upper Macquarie River system. Platypus presence or absence in these pools was measured on three occasions. Detailed modelling of the factors affecting pool preference was complicated by the scale of response being ordinal due to the inability of the observer to distinguish between repeated sightings of the same animal and several different animals. Initial modelling using logistic regression on a presence/absence index, collapsed from the ordinal response, discounted time of day and seasonal effects. These temporal simplifications allowed a binomial analysis of success rate based on the three visits, which identified an additional habitat factor not identified in the original analysis. Finally, a full ordinal regression of the proportions falling into each ordered category is presented as the ultimate modelling of platypus pooI preferences. The analysis indicated that length and depth of pools and the presence of overhanging vegetation were positively related to the observed presence of platypuses.
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Humphrey, Paul. "Platypus." Annals of Improbable Research 7, no. 5 (2001): 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.3142/107951401782383650.
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Jackson, Rob. "Platypus." BioScience 70, no. 9 (2020): 833. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaa104.
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Abstract Enriching BioScience's role as a Forum for Integrating the Life Sciences, Arts in Science provides an occasional venue for poems, visual art, and other forms of artistic expression that explore and enliven our understanding of life. Through the contributions in this section, we hope to share with our readers the passion for nature that science inspires. This contribution is from Rob Jackson, professor, Earth System Science; Senior Fellow, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment; and Senior Fellow, Precourt Institute for Energy, at Stanford University, in California.
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Whittington, Camilla M., Julie A. Sharp, Anthony Papenfuss, and Katherine Belov. "No evidence of expression of two classes of natural antibiotics (cathelicidins and defensins) in a sample of platypus milk." Australian Journal of Zoology 57, no. 4 (2009): 211. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo09047.
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Marsupial neonates are born without a fully functioning immune system, and are known to be protected in part by natural antimicrobial peptides present in their mother’s milk. Monotreme neonates hatch at a similar stage in development, and it has been hypothesised that their survival in a non-sterile burrow also relies on the presence of natural antibiotics in their mother’s milk. Here we review the field of monotreme lactation and the antimicrobial peptide complement of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction of milk cell RNA from a sample of platypus milk, we found no evidence for the expression of cathelicidins or defensins in the milk. This was unexpected. We hypothesise that these natural antibiotics may instead be produced by the young platypuses themselves.
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Handasyde, K. A., I. R. McDonald, and B. K. Evans. "Stress and Adrenal Function in The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 304. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98310.
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The platypus is a difficult species to maintain in captivity and very few zoo animals attain a natural lifespan. Although the failure of some individuals to acclimatise to captivity appears to be related to stress there have been few studies on the stress response of this species. Preliminary data, that we presented previously, indicated that platypuses exhibited a marked and rapid adrenal response, with catecholamine concentrations being extremely high within 15 minutes of disturbance. Plasma glucocorticoid concentrations also rose rapidly after animals were entangled in nets. This was accompanied by a rise in free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations but no significant change in plasma glucose levels. The latter indicates that the platypus, like the echidna, is resistant to the glucose mobilising effects of glucocorticoids. This paper presents further data to support the earlier findings. In matched sets of blood samples, from individual animals, glucocorticoid concentrations rose from around 100 nmol/L at 15 minutes after entangled in the net, to 300 nmol/L by 65 minutes after disturbance. Dexamethasone treatment caused a marked decline in plasma glucocorticoids, in comparison to untreated control animals, indicating that negative feedback control of ACTH secretion occurs in the platypus. Further, subsequent treatment with ACTH caused a rise in plasma glucocorticoids in comparison to untreated control animals. These data indicate that while the adrenal response in the platypus is very large its control is similar to most other mammals.
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Thomas, Jessica L., Marissa L. Parrott, Kathrine A. Handasyde, and Peter Temple-Smith. "Female control of reproductive behaviour in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), with notes on female competition for mating." Behaviour 155, no. 1 (2018): 27–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003476.
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Abstract Opportunities for studying platypus courtship and mating behaviours in the wild are limited due to the nocturnal and cryptic nature of this species. We report on platypus courtship and mating behaviour from a successful breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, in which platypuses were held as either breeding pairs or trios over seven years. Behaviour was recorded daily on infrared cameras resulting in over 80,000 h of footage that was analysed for activity periods, and courtship and mating behaviours including non-contact and contact courtship, mating and avoidance. Our aims were to describe and quantify courtship and mating interactions between males and females, and to determine if either sex controlled the initiation and continuation of the behaviours. From our observations, we describe a new courtship behaviour, non-contact courtship, which constituted the majority of all mating season interactions between males and females. The time between first and last appearance of a courtship and mating behaviour was 41.0 ± 6.6 days, with the females showing behavioural receptivity for 29.6 ± 5.1 days. Female platypuses used three evasive strategies in relation to approaches by males: avoidance, flight and resistance. Females controlled the duration of 79% of encounters using resistance. For the first time, two females were seen competing with each other over access to the male platypus in their enclosure and for nesting material. Time investment in courtship and mating behaviours was a poor indicator of receptivity and breeding success, and we suggest that breeding failure is more likely to be associated with failure of fertilisation, nest building, embryonic development or incubation. We describe how female platypuses demonstrate evasiveness and control of courtship and mating behaviours, and the importance of providing these opportunities in captivity to promote successful breeding.
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KIRKENDALL, LAWRENCE R. "Taxonomic changes for Neotropical pinhole borer ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae)." Zootaxa 5410, no. 2 (2024): 199–221. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5410.2.3.
Full textAbstract:
Stephen L. Wood re-defined Platypus such that its members are native to realms outside of the Americas and transferred most Neotropical species out of that genus. I have come across 44 species that still remain, though, and these are treated here. In total, I report 49 new generic assignments, 30 of which are transfers out of Platypus. I propose 22 new synonymies, eight of which are Platypus species that are synonymized with previously transferred species. Six Neotropical species are left in Platypus, for reasons detailed in the text. These taxonomic acts affect the compositions of eight of the 11 Neotropical genera of core Platypodinae. The following species are transferred from Platypus Herbst, 1793: Cenocephalus dubiosus (Schedl, 1933) comb. nov., Cenocephalus neotruncatus (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov.; Costaroplatus barbosai (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov., Costaroplatus devius (Schedl, 1976) comb. nov., Costaroplatus mixtus (Schedl, 1976) comb. nov., Costaroplatus roppai (Schedl, 1978) comb. nov.; Epiplatypus bicaudatulus (Schedl, 1935) comb. nov., Epiplatypus carduus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov., Epiplatypus complanus (Schedl, 1967) comb. nov., Epiplatypus grandiporus (Schedl, 1961) comb. nov., Epiplatypus insculptus (Schedl, 1967) comb. nov., Epiplatypus macroporus (Chapuis, 1865) comb. nov., Epiplatypus perforans (Schedl, 1961) comb. nov., Epiplatypus propinquus (Schedl, 1959) comb. nov., Epiplatypus quadrispinatus (Chapuis, 1865) comb. nov., Epiplatypus sallei (Chapuis, 1865) comb. nov., Epiplatypus sequius (Schedl, 1935) comb. nov.; Euplatypus detectus (Schedl, 1976) comb. nov., Euplatypus erraticus (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov., Euplatypus longulus (Chapuis, 1865) comb. nov., Euplatypus perplexus Bright, 1972 comb. nov., Euplatypus rugosifrons (Schedl, 1933) comb. nov., Euplatypus vexans (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov.; Megaplatypus asperatus (Schedl, 1976) comb. nov., Megaplatypus carinifer (Schedl, 1970), Megaplatypus durus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov., Megaplatypus eversus (Wood, 1971) comb. nov., Megaplatypus gagates (Schedl, 1976) comb. nov., Megaplatypus irrepertus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov., Megaplatypus lineaticornis (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov., Megaplatypus paramonovi (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov., Megaplatypus schedli (Wood, 1966) comb. nov., Megaplatypus vafer (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov.; Teloplatypus caligatus (Schedl, 1972) comb. nov. Costaroplatus bidens (Schedl, 1970) comb. nov. and Costaroplatus darlingtoni (Reichardt, 1965) comb. nov. are transferred from Megaplatypus Wood, 1993. Costaroplatus vonfaberi (Reichardt, 1962) comb. nov. is transferred from Platyphysus Wood, 1993. Epiplatypus striatus (Chapuis, 1865) comb. nov., Megaplatypus contextus (Schedl, 1963) comb. nov., Megaplatypus decorus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov. and Megaplatypus dignatus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov. are removed from Euplatypus Wood, 1993. Epiplatypus ornatus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov. is transferred from Teloplatypus Wood, 1993. Euplatypus jamaicensis Bright, 1972 comb. nov., Megaplatypus discolor (Blandford, 1896) comb. nov., Teloplatypus brasiliensis (Nunberg, 1959) comb. nov., Teloplatypus nudus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov. and Teloplatypus pernudus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov. are transferred from Epiplatypus Wood, 1993. Costaroplatus ornatus (Schedl, 1936) comb. nov., is transferred from Cenocephalus Chapuis, 1865. Megaplatypus acutidens (Blandford, 1895) comb. nov. and Megaplatypus despectus (Schedl, 1971) comb. nov. are transferred from Tesserocerus Saunders, 1837. New synonymies are proposed as follows: Cenocephalus rugicollis Schedl, 1952 (= Cenocephalus epistomalis Wood, 1966 syn. nov.); Tesserocerus forcipatus Schedl, 1972 (= Platypus aplanatus Schedl, 1976 syn. nov.); Tesserocerus retusus Guérin-Méneville, 1838 (= Tesserocerus guerini ssp. montanus Schedl, 1960 syn. nov.); Tesserocerus simulatus Schedl, 1936 (= Platypus bilobus Schedl, 1961 syn. nov.); Tesserocerus spinax Blandford, 1896 (= Tesserocephalus forficula Schedl, 1936 syn. nov.); Costaroplatus carinulatus (Chapuis, 1865) (= Platypus umbrosus Schedl, 1936 syn. nov.); Costaroplatus shenefelti Nunberg (1963) (= Platypus abditulus Wood, 1966 syn. nov.); Costaroplatus vonfaberi (Reichardt, 1962) (= Platypus convexus Schedl, 1972 syn. nov.); Epiplatypus sallei (Chapuis, 1865) (= Platypus quadricaudatulus Schedl, 1934 syn. nov. and = Platypus filaris Wood, 1971 syn. nov.); Euplatypus longulus (Chapuis, 1865) (= Platypus dimidiatus Chapuis, 1865 syn. nov. = Platypus mulsanti Chapuis, 1865 syn. nov. and = Platypus pseudolongulus Schedl, 1963 syn. nov. ); Megaplatypus acutidens (Blandford, 1895) (= Tesserocerus alternantes Schedl, 1977 syn. nov.); Megaplatypus durus (Schedl, 1936) (= Platypus arcuatus Schedl, 1976 syn. nov.); Megaplatypus fuscus (Chapuis, 1865) (= Platypus marginatus Chapuis, 1865 syn. nov., = Platypus granarius Schedl, 1952 syn. nov., and = Platypus obsitus Schedl, 1976 syn. nov.); Megaplatypus irrepertus (Schedl, 1936) (= Platypus sulcipennis Schedl, 1976 syn. nov.); Neotrachyostus abbreviatus (Chapuis, 1865) (= Platypus concavus Chapuis, 1865 syn. nov.); Teloplatypus enixus (Schedl, 1936) (= Platypus interponens Schedl, 1978 syn. nov.); Teloplatypus ratzeburgi (Chapuis, 1865) (= Platypus pallidipennis Blandford, 1896 syn. nov.). Platypus simpliciformis Wood, 1966 had been transferred by Wood (1993) to both Megaplatypus and Euplatypus by mistake; I propose keeping it in Megaplatypus. Six Neotropical species are left in the genus Platypus with the status incertae sedis: Platypus armatus Chapuis, 1865; Platypus dorsalis Schedl, 1972; Playpus quadrilobus Blandford, 1895; Platypus squamifer Schedl, 1963; Platypus subaequalispinosus Schedl, 1936; and Platypus trispinosus Chapuis, 1965. These taxonomic changes prepare the foundations for future revisionary work on the American Platypodinae.
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Grant, T., and G. McDonald. "Instream Flow Requirements for The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): High Flows. Studies of Water Transfers from The Shoalhaven River System to The Hawkesbury-Nepean River System." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 304. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98309.
Full textAbstract:
During periods of low flows into the storages of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, Sydney Water pumps water from Lake Yarrunga, a storage at the junction of the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Rivers. to the Wingecarribee Dam in the southern tablelands of New South Wales. From there it can be released into the upper Nepean River storages and/or the Wingecarribee River, which drains into the Wollondilly River and hence into the stored water behind Warragamba Dam. Prior to the formulation of an operational release strategy for this system, controlled releases of water were made into both the systems. During these releases the effects of flows on bank stability, water birds, benthic organisms and platypus populations and habitat were assessed, and a regime of maximum releases formulated. Potential impact on platypus populations was assessed by determining the height and/or area of bank left available for use by platypuses at the various flows. Subjective assessments were also made of the usable sections of the rivers for foraging at various flows. Broken white water was assumed to be unsuitable for foraging. The various investigations indicated that flows of 400 ML/day during September to March (water bird and platypus breeding and nesting season) and 600 ML/day at other times would have minimal impact on the ecology of the two river systems. Monitoring, studies involving netting and observations of platypuses in the upper Nepean River system indicated that operational releases within the suggested regime between July 1994 and May 1995 may have led to slightly reduced body condition in some animals during the higher flows in the winter of 1994. However the smaller discharges during the latter period of releases did not appear to result in platypuses entering the winter of 1995 in poor condition. Assessment of the usefulness of some sections of the river for foraging indicated that minor adjustments to the higher end of the flow regime may be necessary for future releases and that further monitoring needs to be done. Capture and observational monitoring studies indicated that releases of up to 500 ML/day in the Wingecarribee River between February and June 1995 had no noticeable effect on platypus activity or populations. Further monitoring needs to be done prior to, during and after higher flows and/or for longer periods in the Wingecarribee River.
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Proske, U., J. E. Gregory, and A. Iggo. "Sensory receptors in monotremes." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences 353, no. 1372 (1998): 1187–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1998.0275.
Full textAbstract:
This is a summary of the current knowledge of sensory receptors in skin of the bill of the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus , and the snout of the echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus . Brief mention is also made of the third living member of the monotremes, the long–nosed echidna, Zaglossus bruijnii . The monotremes are the only group of mammals known to have evolved electroreception. The structures in the skin responsible for the electric sense have been identified as sensory mucous glands with an expanded epidermal portion that is innervated by large–diameter nerve fibres. Afferent recordings have shown that in both platypuses and echidnas the receptors are excited by cathodal (negative) pulses and inhibited by anodal (positive) pulses. Estimates give a total of 40 000 mucous sensory glands in the upper and lower bill of the platypus, whereas there are only about 100 in the tip of the echidna snout. Recordings of electroreceptor–evoked activity from the brain of the platypus have shown that the largest area dedicated to somatosensory input from the bill, S1, shows alternating rows of mechanosensory and bimodal neurons. The bimodal neurons respond to both electrosensory and mechanical inputs. In skin of the platypus bill and echidna snout, apart from the electroreceptors, there are structures called push rods, which consist of a column of compacted cells that is able to move relatively independently of adjacent regions of skin. At the base of the column are Merkel cell complexes, known to be type I slowly adapting mechanoreceptors, and lamellated corpuscles, probably vibration receptors. It has been speculated that the platypus uses its electric sense to detect the electromyographic activity from moving prey in the water and for obstacle avoidance. Mechanoreceptors signal contact with the prey. For the echidna, a role for the electrosensory system has not yet been established during normal foraging behaviour, although it has been shown that it is able to detect the presence of weak electric fields in water. Perhaps the electric sense is used to detect moving prey in moist soil.
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Milione, Michael, and Elaine Harding. "Habitat use by platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in a modified Australian Wet Tropics catchment, north-eastern Queensland." Australian Mammalogy 31, no. 1 (2009): 35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am08110.
Full textAbstract:
The habitat affiliations of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) were investigated in the upper Barron River and its tributaries, a modified Wet Tropics catchment in north-eastern Queensland, Australia. A habitat assessment was carried out at 46 sites, and a visual monitoring survey was used to determine whether platypus were present at these sites. Habitat assessment of riparian and in-stream parameters included an evaluation of factors known to influence platypus populations: disturbance level, stream depth and width, riparian continuity, the amount of overhanging vegetation, bare soil along banks, large woody debris, weeds, pool and riffle area and substrate types. Sites where platypus sightings occurred were characterised by a minimum channel width of 3.8 m and slow-flowing pools with depths of 0.49–2.0 m. These findings concur with platypus habitat preferences as described in other regions, although some in-stream and riparian factors considered as important components of platypus habitat in other studies (riparian continuity, large woody debris, undercut banks and coarse stream substrate) were not associated with the presence of platypus in this study. This study represents the first investigation of the influence of human-induced habitat modification on platypus affiliations in an Australian Wet Tropics river system.
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Lyons, Don. "Baby Platypus." Australian Veterinary Journal 84, no. 6 (2006): N26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2006.tb12791.x.
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Griffiths, Mervyn. "The Platypus." Scientific American 258, no. 5 (1988): 84–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0588-84.
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Milks, Kirstin, Frank Brown Cloud, and Kristin Hudlow. "Platypus Matters." American Biology Teacher 85, no. 6 (2023): 357–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1525/abt.2023.85.6.357a.
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Beaver, Roger A., and Sunisa Sanguansub. "New synonymy and taxonomic changes in Australian and oriental pin-hole borers (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Platypodinae)." Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 156, no. 2 (2020): 79–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.31184/m00138908.1562.4024.
Full textAbstract:
The following new synonymies are proposed: Crossotarsus armipennis Lea, 1910 (= Platypus quadricinctus Schedl, 1962, syn. nov.; = Crossotarsus nitescens Schedl, 1979, syn. nov.); Crossotarsus serratulus Browne, 1964 (= Platypus boettcheri Schedl, 1966, syn. nov.); Platypus quercivorus (Murayama, 1925) (= Crossotarsus brevidens Browne, 1975, syn. nov.). Crossotarsus platypoides Browne, 1955 comb. res., and Platypus lawasensis Browne, 1970, comb. res., are restored to their original genera from their current inclusion in Peroplatypus Wood, 1993.
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Hawkins, Margaret, and Adam Battaglia. "Breeding behaviour of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in captivity." Australian Journal of Zoology 57, no. 4 (2009): 283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo09090.
Full textAbstract:
Breeding platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in captivity had proved difficult until the last 10 years but with improvements in husbandry and a greater understanding of platypus biology there have been seven successes at two institutions since 1998. This study, using closed circuit video monitoring, took place between 2001 and 2007 at Taronga Zoo and covered three breeding successes with one female in 2002/03, 2004/05 and 2005/06. Results have revealed a consistency of behavioural patterns, which accurately predicted breeding events, mating, burrow construction, subsequent denning period and emergence of young. The female platypus had a receptive period of 4–6 days in the spring of each year, during which her behaviour changed from avoidance to initiating contact with the male. After mating she immediately commenced burrow preparation, ending with a 3–5-day intense period of collecting wet nesting material before retiring to the burrow to lay. The gestation period was estimated at 15–21 days and incubation at less than 12 days. A suckling period of 114–127 days followed, with the frequency of maternal burrow visits and length of stay decreasing as the juveniles grew. Juveniles emerged 133 ± 4 days after retirement. This study provides new and important information about breeding behaviour in this species and will contribute to future breeding success of platypus in captivity.
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Marchant, R., and T. R. Grant. "The productivity of the macroinvertebrate prey of the platypus in the upper Shoalhaven River, New South Wales." Marine and Freshwater Research 66, no. 12 (2015): 1128. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf14301.
Full textAbstract:
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) feeds almost exclusively on benthic macroinvertebrates, yet no attempt has been made to link its energy demands with the productivity of its benthic macroinvertebrate prey. In the upper Shoalhaven River, New South Wales, we estimated macroinvertebrate production (in 2009 and 2011) from benthic samples and recorded platypus diet (2009 only) from cheek pouch samples. Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Chironomidae were the most numerous of six major groups in both the cheek pouches and the benthic samples. Three other groups (Odonata, Coleoptera, Sphaeriidae) were much less abundant in the benthos, but Odonata were common in the cheek pouches. In both years the Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera and Chironomidae had levels of production that were an order of magnitude higher than those of the three other groups. Rank correlation indicated that the most productive taxa were those most likely to occur in the cheek pouches. Total macroinvertebrate production for the six groups varied from 7.8gDWm–2year–1 in 2009 to 13.1gDWm–2year–1 in 2011. Previous estimates of field metabolic demand of the platypus enabled calculation of the number that could be supported by a given level of production. The observed levels of production were sufficient to support 13–27 platypuses in 2009 and 22–45 in 2011 along a 1.5-km reach of the river. Despite considerable landscape change, productive foraging habitat persists in the upper Shoalhaven River.
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Wong, Emily S. W., David Morgenstern, Ehtesham Mofiz, et al. "Proteomics and Deep Sequencing Comparison of Seasonally Active Venom Glands in the Platypus Reveals Novel Venom Peptides and Distinct Expression Profiles." Molecular & Cellular Proteomics 11, no. 11 (2012): 1354–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1074/mcp.m112.017491.
Full textAbstract:
The platypus is a venomous monotreme. Male platypuses possess a spur on their hind legs that is connected to glands in the pelvic region. They produce venom only during the breeding season, presumably to fight off conspecifics. We have taken advantage of this unique seasonal production of venom to compare the transcriptomes of in- and out-of-season venom glands, in conjunction with proteomic analysis, to identify previously undiscovered venom genes. Comparison of the venom glands revealed distinct gene expression profiles that are consistent with changes in venom gland morphology and venom volumes in and out of the breeding season. Venom proteins were identified through shot-gun sequenced venom proteomes of three animals using RNA-seq-derived transcripts for peptide-spectral matching. 5,157 genes were expressed in the venom glands, 1,821 genes were up-regulated in the in-season gland, and 10 proteins were identified in the venom. New classes of platypus-venom proteins identified included antimicrobials, amide oxidase, serpin protease inhibitor, proteins associated with the mammalian stress response pathway, cytokines, and other immune molecules. Five putative toxins have only been identified in platypus venom: growth differentiation factor 15, nucleobindin-2, CD55, a CXC-chemokine, and corticotropin-releasing factor-binding protein. These novel venom proteins have potential biomedical and therapeutic applications and provide insights into venom evolution.
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Munday, B. L., R. J. Whittington, and N. J. Stewart. "Disease conditions and subclinical infections of the platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus )." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences 353, no. 1372 (1998): 1093–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1998.0268.
Full textAbstract:
Before the arrival of European settlers in Australia, the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus , probably suffered from little disease. Among other things, European settlement has involved substantial environmental perturbation, introduction of large predators, introduction of motor vehicles and translocation of potential pathogens. As a result, platypuses are now killed by motor vehicles, dogs, foxes and discarded plastic litter. Information programmes targeting appropriate segments of the public would help reduce these unnecessary deaths. The enigmatic disease, ulcerative mycosis, caused by Mucor amphibiorum , has been the subject of scientific investigation in Tasmania for the past 15 years. The apparent recent acceleration in its spread has sounded a warning and more intensive investigation is warranted. The possibility that this pathogen has been translocated from subtropical to temperate Tasmania, Australia, with green tree frogs in banana shipments further emphasizes the role of humans in threatening the welfare of the platypus. Recommendations are made in relation to appropriate measures that could be taken to ameliorate disease and trauma in this species.
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Goldney, D. "The Effect of Environmental Variables on Capture Success of The Platypus Using Gill and Fyke Nets." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 302. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98305.
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Capture success of platypuses using gill and fyke nets over the period 1986-1993 has been assessed against a range of environmental variables using the Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient and in some cases simple linear regression models. Approximately 90% of all animals captured during this study have been netted between 1730 hours and 0I00 hours regardless of age or sex. The peak capture period during which approximately 60% of animals were captured is between 1730 and 2230 hours. Variables examined included; number of platypuses captured, giII and fyke net hours, number of nets used, time nets set up and taken down, maximum and minimum day temperatures, time of sunrise and sunset, moon phase, time of moon rise and set, cloud cover, wind and rain conditions during trapping, 24 hour rainfall history prior to netting and some flow data. The number of nets, netting time, rainfall within 24 hours and temperature conditions all effect the chance of platypus capture in fyke nets (p<0.05). The number of gill nets and the time they are utilised are both positively correlated with platypus captures (p<0.05). However, there are differences between sexes and age groups. Using gill nets, platypuses are more likely to be captured during clear nights and less likely to be captured during summer months. The probability of trapping males, females, adults and juveniles varies with the seasons.
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Carrick, F., H. Peereboom, and G. Thompson. "Success of Enclosures Featuring Innovative Design Features for Public Display of Platypuses." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 300. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98301.
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The history of public displays of platypuses has often not been a happy one for the platypuses concerned; however, there are also some examples of success. Although other approaches to keeping platypuses in captivity have been developed, most of the interesting things which platypuses do occur underwater, and a properly designed and engineered structure provides the opportunity for much larger numbers of people to see platypuses than in open situations. The construction of displays at Brisbane Forest Park and Fleay's Wildlife Park incorporates several innovative features, but at least as importantly, a management approach which fundamentally allows the platypus to come and go from the display area as it pleases, has been implemented. There are now several years experience with these facilities and the successful maintenance of their residents.
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Linternmans, M. "The Status and Distribution of The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) In the Australian Capital Territory with Notes on Some Localised Declines." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 306. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98314.
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Incidental captures of platypuses have been recorded during fisheries research programs conducted in the Australian Capital Territory over the past 25 years. Ad hoc records have also been recorded from Australian Capital Territory Parks and Conservation Service staff and members of the public as part of an ongoing database project known as the ACT Vertebrate Atlas. Information is presented on the distribution and relative abundance of platypuses in the major ACT streams. There appear to have been some localised declines in a number of ACT platypus populations in the Murrumbidgee, Molonglo and Queanbeyan River systems. Possible reasons behind these declines are discussed.
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Temple-Smith, P., and T. Grant. "Platypus Venom and Envenomation." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 2 (1998): 314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98330.
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Curiosity and controversy have surrounded the function of the crural system of the platypus since its discovery in the late 18th century. Early work on the venom confused rather than clarified the biological significance of the crural system. Many experiments gave conflicting results, especially concerning the coagulation effects of intravenous injections of venom extracts, although consistent observations were made of general vasodilation following intravenous injection into rabbits. More recent studies have shown that crural (venom) gland activity is seasonal and in synchrony with the breeding season. Secretion from the crural glands shows proteolytic activity and contains at least three major proteins, one of which has hyaluronidase activity. Subcutaneous injection of venom produced mild toxic effects whereas intravenous doses (75-90mg protein/kg) in mice were lethal. Whole venom induced local oedema after subplantar injection in rats and a 4.2kD peptide isolated from the venom caused relaxation of rat uterus in vitro. At least 16 incidents of envenomation by the platypus have been recorded in humans but no fatalities have been reported. In most human cases, envenomation resulted in immediate and severe local pain and oedema, sometimes associated with nausea, cold sweats, dull gastric pain and vomiting, hyperaesthesia and swelling of the axillary lymph nodes. Significant functional impairment of the upper limb for some weeks or months has been observed. Various treatments have been used to alleviate the symptoms of envenomation with differing successes. Envenomation has also been recorded in platypuses and dogs. The effects of these envenomations will be discussed.
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Glare, T. R., C. Placet, T. L. Nelson, and S. D. Reay. "Potential of Beauveria and Metarhizium as control agents of pinhole borers (Platypus spp)." New Zealand Plant Protection 55 (August 1, 2002): 73–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.30843/nzpp.2002.55.3922.
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Three species of pinhole borer (Platypus spp) are known in New Zealand They are pests of beech and some other trees boring deep into living and dead trees which allows the ingress of sapstain and other fungi Although the species are native to New Zealand they can still cause localised problems to trees when populations reach epidemic levels We investigated the virulence of a selection of New Zealand isolates of three entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana B brongniartii and M anisopliae against Platypus The fungi were mainly from soil in beech forests All isolates tested could kill and sporulate on Platypus The ability of adult Platypus to contaminate larvae by transfer of spores was tested and found to occur in the laboratory The possibilities of using Beauveria for localised Platypus control are discussed
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Warren, Wesley C., and Frank Grützner. "The enigma of the platypus genome." Australian Journal of Zoology 57, no. 4 (2009): 157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo09051.
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Over two centuries after the first platypus specimen stirred the scientific community in Europe, the whole-genome sequence of the duck-billed platypus has been completed and is publicly available. After publication of eutherian and marsupial genomes, this is the first genome of a monotreme filling an important evolutionary gap between the divergence of birds more that 300 million years ago and marsupials more than 140 million years ago. Monotremes represent the most basal surviving branch of mammals and the platypus genome sequence allows unprecedented insights into the evolution of mammals and the fascinating biology of the egg-laying mammals. Here, we discuss some of the key findings of the analysis of the platypus genome and point to new findings and future research directions, which illustrate the broad impact of the platypus genome project for understanding monotreme biology and mammalian genome evolution.
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BEAVER, ROGER A., and LlAN-YU LIU. "A review of the genus Baiocis Browne, 1962 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae), with new species, new synonymy and a key to males." Zootaxa 4434, no. 3 (2018): 481. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4434.3.5.
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Six new species of Baiocis Browne, 1962 are described: Baiocis crassiventris Beaver & Liu, B. laosi Beaver & Liu, B. orientalis Beaver & Liu, B. spicatus Beaver & Liu, B. spiniventris Beaver & Liu, B. sumatranus Beaver & Liu, all from the Oriental region. Of the twenty species listed by Wood and Bright (1992) in the genus Baiocis, the following species belong in Crossotarsus Chapuis, 1865: imitatrix Schedl, 1973, kuntzeni (Schedl, 1937) (comb. n.); the following in Platypus Herbst, 1793: angusticeps Schedl, 1942, perangustus Schedl, 1942, seminitens Schedl, 1971, variolosus Schedl, 1942; the following in Treptoplatypus Wood, 1993: pasohensis (Schedl, 1939). The following new synonymy is proposed: Baiocis pernanulus (Schedl, 1935) (=Platypus annularis Schedl, 1975 syn. n.; =Baiocis solomonicus Browne, 1986 syn. n.); Platypus perangustus Schedl, 1942 (= Platypus sindorae Browne, 1980 syn. n.); Platypus transformis Schedl, 1936 (=Platypus angusticeps Schedl, 1942 syn. n.). Lectotypes are designated for Baiocis incisus (Sampson, 1927), and B. sublunaris (Schedl, 1937), and both sexes of the former species are redescribed. A key is given to the males of fifteen species of Baiocis. Two further species are known only from the female.
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Hall, Brian K. "The paradoxical platypus." BioScience 49, no. 3 (1999): 211–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1313511.
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G. Quin, Darren. "Platypus and Echidnas." Pacific Conservation Biology 3, no. 2 (1997): 163. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc970163.
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Platypus and Echidnas presents the proceedings of a conference held at the University of New South Wales in July 1991. Platypus and Echidnas incorporates an extensive information source obtained from studies undertaken since the first symposium on "Monotreme Biology" in 1978, while highlighting deficiencies in our knowledge, and subsequently suggests further avenues for research. The theme of evolution re-occurs throughout the publication and the studies demonstrate how patterns of mammalian phylogeny may be derived from various sources including palaeontology, gene mapping, DNA hybridization, reproductive physiology and endocrinology. Interest in this publication will extend to: (i) scholars of phylogeny and evolution especially part 1); (ii) comparative physiologist, physiological ecologists and anatomists (parts 1, 3, 4 and 5); (iii) ecologists and sacio-ecologists (parts 3, 5 and 6); (iv) natural historians; (v) keepers of captive wildlife colonies (parts 3 and 6); (vi) wildlife veterinary surgeons (part 6); and (vii) wildlife managers (especially part 6). The book deals primarily with the short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus and the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus, for which most information is available.
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Clegg, Stewart R. "Platypus at Play." Management Communication Quarterly 18, no. 1 (2004): 146–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0893318904265136.
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Wadlow, C. "The Diplomatic Platypus." Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice 8, no. 4 (2013): 323–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jiplp/jpt019.
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