In this synthesis, which was initiated during a workshop attended by many of Australia’s platypus researchers, we review the current knowledge of the platypus’ life history and identify threats to its existence, priorities for conservation, and research challenges required to conserve this unique species. Apart from South Australia, platypuses are not currently listed on the threatened species schedules of any Australian state or nationally (i.e., Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). Given the extent and severity of the threatening processes, coupled with lack of knowledge of past and present trends, there is an urgent need to re-assess the conservation status of the species and establish a national monitoring program. In light of documented local declines, the conservation status of the platypus was elevated by the IUCN to “Near Threatened” in 2016 ( Woinarski and Burbidge 2016).
BLUE PLATYPUS DRIVERS
The current drivers of declining platypus distribution and population are many, widespread, and synergistic, including predominantly regulation of river flows ( Kingsford 2000 Grant and Fanning 2007) and extensive riparian and lotic habitat degradation by land clearing for agriculture and urbanization ( Grant and Temple-Smith 2003). In South Australia, the species is nearly extinct and is “Endangered” (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972). However, estimates of population sizes are particularly difficult to obtain, given low recapture rates and the substantial effort required ( Grant 2004a Serena and Williams 2012a). 1998 Rohweder and Baverstock 1999 Otley 2001 Milione and Harding 2009). Recent documented local declines and extinctions identify that the species is facing considerable threats in some areas ( Lintermans 1998 Lunney et al. However, relatively little is known about the species’ past and present distribution and numbers, limiting accurate evaluation of its conservation status and future population trajectories. Platypuses are widely distributed in permanent river systems from tropical to alpine environments. The modern platypus is endemic to eastern mainland Australia, Tasmania, and adjacent King Island, with a small introduced population on Kangaroo Island, South Australia ( Fig. As one of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct mammals, the platypus has long been regarded to be of exceptional scientific importance as well as a globally unique component of Australia’s biodiversity. The platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of five extant species of egg-laying mammals in the subclass Monotremata and the only living species within the family Ornithorhynchidae ( Fig. We also outline future research directions and challenges that need to be met to help conserve the species.Īustralia, conservation management, freshwater biology, Monotremata, Ornithorhynchus anatinus In this synthesis, we review the evolutionary history, genetics, biology, and ecology of this extraordinary mammal and highlight prevailing threats. In 2016, the IUCN Red Listing for the platypus was elevated to “Near Threatened,” but the platypus remains unlisted on threatened species schedules of any Australian state, apart from South Australia, or nationally. Emerging evidence of local population declines and extinctions identifies that ecological thresholds have been crossed in some populations and, if threats are not addressed, the species will continue to decline. The platypus’ distribution coincides with many of Australia’s major threatening processes, including highly regulated and disrupted rivers, intensive habitat destruction, and fragmentation, and they were extensively hunted for their fur until the early 20th century. Accumulating knowledge and technological advancements have provided insights into many aspects of its evolutionary history and biology but have also raised concern about significant knowledge gaps surrounding distribution, population sizes, and trends. Modern platypuses are endemic to eastern mainland Australia, Tasmania, and adjacent King Island, with a small introduced population on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and are widely distributed in permanent river systems from tropical to alpine environments.
The platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of the world’s most evolutionarily distinct mammals, one of five extant species of egg-laying mammals, and the only living species within the family Ornithorhynchidae.
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