Application of a Geographic Information System (GIS) To Characterisation Of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) Habitat At Mount Emu Creek In Western Victoria.

Abstract

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.