Behavioural responses of platypuses to desedimentation works in the Blue Lake at Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, New South Wales, with notes on the relationship between platypus occurrence and habitat variables in nearby streams

A study on the Greater Blue Mountains Area reveals that platypuses exhibit behavioral responses to desedimentation works, indicating their resilience and adaptability. Despite major instream rehabilitation works following severe catchment erosion and flooding, platypuses continued to use the Blue Lake at Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. The research found that while platypus activity decreased during the works in 2020, they returned quickly upon completion and lake refilling. In subsequent works in 2022, their return was slower but showed persistent long-term use of the lake. Analysis of platypus occurrence data and habitat variables highlighted the importance of coarse benthic substrates for platypus presence, suggesting potential benefits from targeted rehabilitation efforts post-instream works.

Musser, A., Turak, E., & Grant, T. (2025). Behavioural responses of platypuses to desedimentation works in the Blue Lake at Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, New South Wales, with notes on the relationship between platypus occurrence and habitat variables in nearby streams. Australian Mammalogy, 47(2). https://doi.org/10.1071/am24035