Just Accepted
This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.
Field-based anaesthesia of platypuses
Abstract
This communication details the implementation of field-based anaesthesia for platypuses, focusing on enhancing animal welfare while enabling the collection of critical scientific data. By utilising portable anaesthetic machines and tailored protocols, we ensure safe handling and minimise stress during procedures such as tagging, sample collection, and minor surgeries. Given the impracticality and high costs of having veterinarians in the field, we advocate for specialised accreditation pathways to empower ecologists to independently perform these essential procedures, thereby improving the efficiency and sustainability of wildlife research.
AM24029 Accepted 27 January 2025
© CSIRO 2025
