A Research Project to Establish Criteria for the Reintroduction of Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus Into Selected Locations in South Australia.

Abstract

Platypuses were once common through many waterways of South Australia but now only live in a small system of rivers on Kangaroo Island where they were introduced in 1940. There is renewed interest from individuals and organisations in re-establishing the species in areas of mainland South Australia. The main objective of this project is to identify essential criteria for maintaining platypuses in South Australian ponds. Platypuses were captured on Kangaroo Island and introduced into a two pond system at McLaren Vale south of Adelaide. The animals were radio tagged and their behaviour monitored. Prior to introduction the habitat was fenced to exclude foxes and feral cats. The ponds were improved by the removal of mosquito fish and trout, placement of snags in the water, planting of aquatic vegetation at the margin and management of the water volume and surface area. Observations indicated that soft moist soil at water level aids the creation of burrows and refuges which may take months to establish. In the interim platypuses will make use of natural earth cracks or create refuges in vegetation. The animals are active in the grassy surrounds, move freely between ponds and feed on supplements of mealworms and earthworms. Key requirements for establishing platypuses in pond systems will include the exclusion of mammalian predators, providing a habitat conducive to the establishment of burrows and optimising food availability.