Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
The habitat preferences and activity budgets of platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) was recorded in the Hobart Rivulet in Hobart, Tasmania. Twenty-three sites were sampled for platypus presence over 21 days for a total of 784 surveys at various times between 6:00 and 20:00 during which current weather and river conditions were recorded. Fifty-eight platypuses were observed, and their behaviors were recorded in 15-minute periods for a total 5.86 hours of behavioral data. During observations the type and duration of their behaviors was recorded. The habitat assessment at the sites included factors that may impact platypus occurrence, behavior, or abundance such as presence of deep pools, shallow rapids, concrete features, rock features, waterfalls, the vegetative cover, cover, shadiness, and the human activity at a site. The most significant factors in increasing the likelihood of platypus presence include lower air temperatures, the presence of concrete features, the absence of rock features, the absence of bridges, and higher water levels. Platypus behavior was dominated by feeding and traveling which were both seen in all habitat types. This study acts as a baseline for studying platypuses in the Hobart Rivulet and to inform management as the type of habitat that platypuses prefer.
Disciplines
Life Sciences
Recommended Citation
Nowacek, Wyatt, "Habits and Habitats: Activity Budgets of Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) across varying Habitat Types and Environmental Conditions in the Hobart Rivulet" (2025). Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology. 5.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/ase2/5