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

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 07:26 authored by Kolomyjec, SH, Chong, JYT, Blair, D, Gongora, J, Grant, TR, Christopher JohnsonChristopher Johnson, Moran, C
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.

History

Publication title

Australian Journal of Zoology

Volume

57

Issue

4

Pagination

225-234

ISSN

0004-959X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

C S I R O Publishing

Place of publication

150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia

Rights statement

Copyright © 2009 CSIRO

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Terrestrial biodiversity

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    University Of Tasmania

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