Processed platypus genotypes

<p>Processed platypus genotypes with assigned probabilities for <i>K </i>= 5. </p&gt

Platypus eDNA and habitat data

<p>Data relating to presence and absence of platypus eDNA and habitat variables collected for each site. This data is part of a long term prgoram with local south-east Queensland Councils. Contact individual councils for data sets. </p&gt

Detecting a paradox

The platypus has intrigued and baffled scientists for centuries. In 1799, when the first pelt was examined by zoologist George Shaw in London, its bizarre appearance led to it being thought a hoax – a paradoxical mash-up of a duck’s bill and feet, a beaver’s tail, and an otter’s body. When no stitching was found, the specimen was accepted, ushering in an overhaul of mammalian classification. More than 200 years later, this elusive monotreme still confounds. Researchers such as Tamielle Brunt from Wildlife Queensland, Josh Griffiths from EnivroDNA, and Gilad Bino from the Platypus Conservation Initiative are tasked with understanding how this species survives, the threats it faces, and how many individuals remain in the wild. They’re aided in their mission by a new technology: eDNA

Prime real estate for the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): Habitat requirements in a peri-urban environment

Platypuses have specific habitat requirements but continue to persist in urban and peri-urban areas where these requirements are continually impacted upon. Identifying the species requirements in an ecosystem is important for population persistence. The aim of this project was to determine platypus presence and associated habitat preferences along Moggill Creek, west of Brisbane. This was established through observational surveys and platypus habitat assessments. Observational surveys were completed at 33 sites to determine platypus presence. At these sites, riparian and in-stream habitat assessments were completed on the characteristics associated with platypus presence. Ten sightings at 10 individual sites were recorded, two of which were recorded in peri-urban areas and eight in the lower reaches, characterised by urban landscapes. The significant habitat characteristics associated with platypus presence were: consolidated bank height > 0.95 m (p = 0.004), bank slope > 35° (p = 0.009) and water depth > 1.1 m (p = 0.011). The identification of platypus habitat requirements allows management practices to be implemented for protection of these habitat characteristics and promotion of healthy waterways

Where are the platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) now? A snapshot in time of their distribution in the Greater Brisbane region

Distribution data on platypus populations within the Greater Brisbane region is currently lacking, limiting our understanding of their population status. We report 4 years of platypus environmental DNA data from waterways in this region and compare them to historical observational records from 1990 to 2016 to determine any changes to their distribution. Twenty-one of the 54 eDNA sampled waterways were sampled multiple times and had records of previous platypus presence. Five of these 21 repeatedly sampled waterways (24%) did not have evidence of platypus presence, based on eDNA. This raises the concern that platypuses may no longer inhabit these waterways. We hope this study encourages further investigations on platypus to identify the extent of their decline within the region, along with possible broader state-wide review of their conservation status for future protection