Current Research On The Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus In Tasmania: Abstracts From The 1999 'Tasmanian Platypus Workshop'.

Abstract

The platypus is found in a high proportion of the river catchments in Tasmania including King and Bruny Island and possibly Three Hummock Island (Rounsevell et al., 1991, Grant, 1992, Hird and Paterson, 1995, Connolly and Obendorf, 1998). It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including urban streams, farm dams, cave systems, estuaries, pristine rivers and alpine lakes (references in Connolly and Obendorf, 1998). However, despite its widespread occurrence, and apparent differences from its mainland relatives, until recently little detailed research had been carried out on the species in this state. In order to review and discuss the preliminary results of the upsurge in research into platypus in the last six years and to identify management issues and priorities for further work a one day 'Tasmanian Platypus Workshop' was held at the University of Tasmania in May 1999. The workshop aimed to improve co-ordination between researchers studying platypus, to ensure greater opportunities for efficiencies in research which would in turn minimise the impacts of research on platypus populations. These proceedings contain the abstracts of the talks presented at the meeting and the outcomes of the subsequent discussion.