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Platypus burrow temperatures at a subalpine Tasmanian lake
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 15:27 authored by Bethge, P, Sarah MunksSarah Munks, Otley, HM, Stewart NicolStewart NicolWhen platypuses are in their burrows, microhabitat is of great importance for energy conservation, especially where air temperatures frequently fall below freezing in winter. In this study, we investigated burrow temperatures of platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) living at a sub-alpine Tasmanian lake. Nine individual platypuses were equipped with time-depth recorders with integrated temperature sensors measuring ambient temperature. Burrow temperatures were recorded in two minute intervals for a total of 61 resting periods (duration: 5.45 to 27.20 hours) and were averaged over the period of resting. Mean burrow temperatures were 17.5 and 14.2°C (SD=2.76 and 0.89, respectively, n=9) in summer and winter, respectively, and ranged between 12.2 and 22.8°C for individual resting periods. In winter, burrow temperatures were held fairly constant over the resting period while in summer larger variations were observed. Burrow temperature in winter was found to be up to 18°C higher than outside air temperature.
History
Publication title
Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South WalesVolume
125Pagination
273-276ISSN
0370-047XDepartment/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Linnean Soc New South WalesPlace of publication
Po Box 137, Matraville, New South Wales, Australia, 2036Repository Status
- Restricted