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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 47(1)

Translocation of a rehabilitated juvenile platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

Jessica L. Thomas A *
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A Healesville Sanctuary, Badger Creek Road, Healesville, Vic 3777, Australia.

* Correspondence to: jthomas@zoo.org.au

Handling Editor: Julie Old

Australian Mammalogy 47, AM24040 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM24040
Submitted: 8 November 2024  Accepted: 17 January 2025  Published: 11 February 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Mammal Society.

Abstract

The success of rehabilitated juvenile animals after release is poorly studied. This study monitored the behaviour and habitat use of a juvenile male platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) found in poor body condition on a driveway and rehabilitated, before undergoing an inter-catchment translocation. Radio telemetry tracked his movements and resting locations for 18 days during which he used more vegetation for shelter than burrows. After 8 days in the creek near the release site, he travelled through drains into a swamp, potentially displaced by resident platypuses, where the signal was lost. The results demonstrate significant challenges in post-release survival, including burrow creation. This case highlights the importance of monitoring animals after release.

Keywords: burrow, competition, displaced juvenile, habitat use, intra-catchment translocation, radio tracking, rescue, weaning, wildlife hospital, zoo.

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