Reproductive Seasonality in Female Platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, in the Upper Barnard River, New South Wales.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
J.M. Jakubowski ◽  
N.P. New ◽  
G.M. Stone ◽  
R.C. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Seasonal Change ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
New South ◽  
Reproductive Seasonality ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Change In Mean ◽  
Mean Concentration

Progesterone concentrations were determined in samples of blood, urine and faeces collected from female platypuses which were captured in the Upper Barnard River, NSW, from February to November, 1996. Mean concentrations in blood plasma were higher in July, August and September than in other months with the highest concentrations being in August. Progesterone concentrations in dried urine and faeces were highly correlated with values for blood plasma (r = 0.61, P<0.05 and 0.7 1, P<O.OI, respectively), and the coefficient of variation for progesterone determinations was lower for samples of urine and faeces than blood. There was a seasonal change in mean concentration of cortisol in blood (being elevated in May-August), but the concentrations of progesterone and cortisol in blood were not significantly correlated.

Distribution of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in New South Wales: Results of The 1994-96 New South Wales Rivers Survey.

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
T.R. Grant ◽  
P.C. Gehrke ◽  
J.H. Harris ◽  
S. Hartley
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Coastal Regions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Population Numbers

Data from the New South Wales Rivers Survey on the occurrence of platypuses have provided the most recent and comprehensive record of platypus distribution in the State. The species was most commonly reported from the montane and coastal regions, being less common on the western slopes and uncommon in the rivers of the western lowlands. The observations confirmed those from earlier community-based surveys. In contrast to the distribution of native fish species, there appears to have been little change in the overall state-wide distribution of the platypus in response to degrading processes in the rivers of New South Wales, although nothing is known of the stability of their population numbers.

The distribution of net nitrogen mineralisation within surface soil. 1. Field studies under a wheat crop

Soil Research ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erry Purnomo ◽  
A. S. Black ◽  
C. J. Smith ◽  
M. K. Conyers
Keyword(s):  
Soil Depth ◽  
New South ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
N Mineralisation ◽  
Total N ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Soil Temperature And Moisture

To test the hypothesis that net nitrogen (N) mineralisation is concentrated in the surface few centimetres following minimal soil disturbance for crop establishment, mineralisation was measured during the growth of wheat. The soil was a Red Kandosol located in southern New South Wales. Mineralisation was estimated usingin situ incubations inside capped PVC tubes, which were sampled every 3 weeks. Soil from the tubes was sampled at depth intervals of 2 cm to a depth of 10 cm and at 5-cm intervals from 10 to 20 cm. The results showed that net N mineralisation decreased with depth to 20 cm. Over the season, an average of 32% of the N mineralised in the top 20 cm of soil originated from the 0–2 cm layer, 72% was from the 0–6 cm layer, and only 13% was from soil below 10 cm. The decrease in N mineralisation with soil depth was highly correlated with decreases in the organic carbon (r2 = 0.84, P < 0.05) and total N (r2 = 0.83, P < 0.05) concentration. The soil's N-supplying ability is concentrated near the surface where it is susceptible to erosional loss. The N supply may also be inhibited by temperature and moisture extremes, which are common in the surface few centimetres of soil where mineralisation was concentrated. The PVC enclosures created artefacts in soil temperature and moisture, although it is argued that the effects on net N mineralisation were small in most sampling periods.

Haematology and Blood Chemistry of the Conscious Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Shaw) (Monotremata: Ornithorhynchidae)

1984 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 631 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Whittington ◽  
TR Grant
Keyword(s):  
Leukocyte Count ◽  
New South ◽  
Blood Chemistry ◽  
Total Leukocyte Count ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Sexual Dimorphisms ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Serum Biochemical ◽  
The Mean

Blood was collected from a bill sinus of nine conscious adult platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, caught in south-eastem New South Wales. Sexual dimorphisms were not found in the haematological and serum biochemical values measured. Results were compared with those obtained earlier from anaesthetized platypuses: ether anaethesia did not affect red cell parameters and the majority of biochemical values measured. It did, however, cause significant leukocytosis due to neutrophilia and monocytosis. The mean total leukocyte count in conscious platypuses was 28.63 X 10*9.1-�. The unusually high urea levels and low creatinine levels found in anaesthetized platypus were confirmed in this study (31.5 mmol.l-� and 26 �mol.l-� respectively). High values for erythrocyte count (9.96 X 10*12.l-�), packed cell volume (0.491.l-�) and haemoglobin (190 g.l-�) were found in conscious platypuses, confirming earlier findings and supporting the view that the erythrocyte parameters of the platypus show significant adaptations to hypoxia.

Morphological observations on the Erthrocytes, Leukocytes and Platelets of Free-Living Platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Shaw) (Monotremata : Ornithorhynchidae)

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 421 ◽  
Author(s):  
PJ Canfield ◽  
RJ Whittington
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus

Blood was collected from the bill sinus of 10 healthy, mature platypuses captured in the Upper Shoalhaven River of New South Wales. Blood from all 10 animals was used for light microscopic morphometrical studies, and that from four of them was used for ultrastructural studies. The erythrocytes presented no unusual features and were similar to those described for other monotremes, marsupials and man. Platelets were of a mammalian type and uniform. Features of the leukocytes were compared and contrasted with those of other monotremes, marsupials, domestic mammals and man. Unusual features of the leukocytes of the platypus included the consistent presence of Dohle bodies within segmented neutrophils, and the nonsegmented nature of nuclei of eosinophils and basophils. Ultrastructural studies confirmed these findings.

Mineral content of honeybee-collected pollen from southern New South Wales

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Somerville ◽  
H. I. Nicol
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Content ◽  
New South ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Prunus Dulcis ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Minor Elements ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Concentration

The mineral content of honeybee-collected pollen from 34 floral species was analysed for 10 elements. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of major and minor elements were the following: potassium (K) 5530, phosphorus (P) 4600, sulfur (S) 2378, calcium (Ca) 1146, magnesium (Mg) 716, sodium (Na) 82, iron (Fe) 67, zinc�(Zn) 58, manganese (Mn) 33 and copper (Cu) 12. Close correlations existed between Mn and Cu, P and S, K and S and K and Zn. Single species demonstrated similar element profiles. Echium plantagineum pollen had a high mean concentration of P (7411 mg/kg) and S (3133 mg/kg) when compared with the mean of the total; Brassica�napus pollen had high concentration of Mg (1400 mg/kg) and Ca (1750 mg/kg) and low concentration of Fe (27 mg/kg); Hypochoeris radicata had low concentrations of 6 elements — Fe (4.5 mg/kg), Zn (20 mg/kg), Mg�(240 mg/kg), S (1400 mg/kg), P (2066 mg/kg) and K (2433 mg/kg). Asphodelus fistulosus had the highest concentration of K at 38 000 mg/kg, the next highest value of 8200 mg/kg being for Prunus dulcis.

scholarly journals Platypus and Echidnas

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren G. Quin
Keyword(s):  
Dna Hybridization ◽  
New South ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Reproductive Physiology ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Extensive Information ◽  
Phylogeny And Evolution ◽  
The University

Platypus and Echidnas presents the proceedings of a conference held at the University of New South Wales in July 1991. Platypus and Echidnas incorporates an extensive information source obtained from studies undertaken since the first symposium on "Monotreme Biology" in 1978, while highlighting deficiencies in our knowledge, and subsequently suggests further avenues for research. The theme of evolution re-occurs throughout the publication and the studies demonstrate how patterns of mammalian phylogeny may be derived from various sources including palaeontology, gene mapping, DNA hybridization, reproductive physiology and endocrinology. Interest in this publication will extend to: (i) scholars of phylogeny and evolution especially part 1); (ii) comparative physiologist, physiological ecologists and anatomists (parts 1, 3, 4 and 5); (iii) ecologists and sacio-ecologists (parts 3, 5 and 6); (iv) natural historians; (v) keepers of captive wildlife colonies (parts 3 and 6); (vi) wildlife veterinary surgeons (part 6); and (vii) wildlife managers (especially part 6). The book deals primarily with the short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus and the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus, for which most information is available.

Aspects of Lactation in the Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Monotremata), in Waters of Eastern New South Wales.

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 881 ◽  
Author(s):  
TR Grant ◽  
M Griffiths ◽  
RMC Leckie
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Young Leave ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lactating Females ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One ◽  
First Time

Female platypuses captured in waters of eastern New South Wales were found to be lactating between the months of October and March. Lactating females were most numerous in December, accounting for 64% of females captured. Non-lactating females were taken in all months, indicating that not all females breed successfully every year. There was no significant difference between the fatty acid complement of milk taken from a platypus lactating very late in the season and those of others sampled in December at the peak of the lactation season. Some evidence exists that females do not become reproductive until at least their second year of life. Some females were found lactating in consecutive years, and others lactated one year and not in the one following. Animals of over 9 years of age are known to breed. Most juveniles were captured in February, March and April, and it is suggested that the young leave the breeding burrows for the first time in late January through to March, and become independent from their mothers, who are ceasing lactation at that time.

Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, Movement Data from The Duckmaloi Weir Pool: Poisson Regression Models.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 287
Author(s):  
B.A. Ellem ◽  
A. Mcleod
Keyword(s):  
Water Depth ◽  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
New South ◽  
Predictive Variables ◽  
Movement Data ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Foliage Density

McLeod (1993) monitored the movement of platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) using telemetric devices, recording the number of times animals were found in predetermined grid positions in a pool impounded behind the Duckmaloi Weir near Oberon, New South Wales, and the number of times they were discovered in numerous burrows on the periphery of the weir pool. The aim of this program was to identify the predictive variables that accounted for platypus movement from among those measured such as water depth, and from among known factors such as age. A Poisson regression model is described together with the results for these data. The potential benefits of Poisson regression models for these data over log transformation models, such as handling zeros and catering for overdispersion, are expounded. The analyses indicate that the use of areas of the weir pool were related to water depth, with there being greater use of shallow depths in the channel than in other locations in the pool. There was also differential usage of burrows in the banks of the pool related to different degrees of foliage density from one side of the weir pool to the other.

Distribution of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Bombala River Catchment, South-Eastern New South Wales.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
R.W. Turnbull
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
River Catchment ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
The Difference

Distribution of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Bombala River catchment in south-eastern New South Wales was surveyed using questionnaires. Platypuses were reported from all streams in the catchment. The majority of positive sightings were from downstream areas whereas very few positive sightings were reported from headwater areas. The difference between frequencies of headwater and downstream reports of sightings was significant. The platypus was considered common throughout the catchment.

Population genetics of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): a fine-scale look at adjacent river systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen H. Kolomyjec ◽  
Josephine Y. T. Chong ◽  
David Blair ◽  
Jaime Gongora ◽  
Tom R. Grant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Genetics ◽  
Isolation By Distance ◽  
New South ◽  
River Systems ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Discrete Population ◽  
Polymorphic Microsatellite

Population genetics is a powerful tool to increase the understanding of animals that may otherwise be difficult to study, such as the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Focusing on two adjacent river systems in New South Wales, we used 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate the population dynamics of the platypus. We found that individual river systems acted as discrete population units. Evidence of migration, presumably overland, between systems explains how these units remain connected. This establishes an isolation-by-distance pattern that maintains species continuity across most of the mainland distribution. This improved understanding of population structure will be a valuable contribution to designing accurate management plans for the long-term conservation of this unique Australian animal.

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