Long-term movements and activity patterns of platypus on regulated rivers.

摘要: The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal, endemic to freshwater habitats of eastern Australia. There are gaps in the understanding movement behaviour within river systems, including spatial and temporal organization individuals. We tracked movements 12 platypuses on regulated Snowy Mitta Rivers for up 12-months, longest continuous tracking using acoustic telemetry. Platypuses remained relatively localized, occupying 0.73-8.45 km over 12 months, consistent with previous studies shorter periods. Males moved further than females, larger males had higher cumulative movements, suggesting possible relationship metabolic requirements. greater distances River, possibly associated impacts altered flow regimes their macroinvertebrate diet. Increased diurnal activity during winter were primarily driven by males, attributable breeding behaviours, rather increased costs foraging. Evidence small has implications declining populations, given areas localised declines unlikely be supplemented migrating platypuses, especially when dispersal restricted dam walls. Understanding pertinent conservation, as water resource development habitat modification continue reduce connectivity between populations across distribution.