CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html dir="ltr" lang="en-US" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <link rel="profile" href="http://gmpg.org/xfn/11"> <link rel="pingback" href="https://platypus.asn.au/xmlrpc.php"> <title>Managing platypus bank habitats - Australian Platypus Conservancy</title> <script type="text/javascript"> WebFontConfig = {"google":{"families":["Lato:r:latin,latin-ext","Lato:r,i,b,bi:latin,latin-ext"]},"api_url":"https:\/\/fonts-api.wp.com\/css"}; (function() { var wf = document.createElement('script'); wf.src = 'https://platypus.asn.au/wp-content/mu-plugins/wpcomsh/vendor/automattic/custom-fonts/js/webfont.js'; wf.type = 'text/javascript'; wf.async = 'true'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(wf, s); })(); </script><style id="jetpack-custom-fonts-css">.wf-active body{font-family:"Lato",sans-serif}.wf-active input[type="color"], .wf-active input[type="date"], .wf-active input[type="datetime"], .wf-active input[type="datetime-local"], .wf-active input[type="email"], .wf-active input[type="month"], .wf-active input[type="number"], .wf-active input[type="password"], .wf-active input[type="search"], .wf-active input[type="tel"], .wf-active input[type="text"], .wf-active input[type="time"], .wf-active input[type="url"], .wf-active input[type="week"], .wf-active textarea{font-family:"Lato",sans-serif}.wf-active h1, .wf-active h2, .wf-active h3, .wf-active h4, .wf-active h5, .wf-active h6{font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal}.wf-active h1 small, .wf-active h2 small, .wf-active h3 small, .wf-active h4 small, .wf-active h5 small, .wf-active h6 small{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active h1{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active h2{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active h3{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active h4{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active h5{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active h6{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .subtitle{font-weight:400;font-style:normal}.wf-active .site-description{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .hero-section .hero-title{font-weight:400;font-style:normal}.wf-active .home-posts-titles h2{font-weight:400;font-style:normal}.wf-active .featured-posts .entry-title{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .error-404 .page-title{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .error-404 .widget-title, .wf-active .error-404 .widgettitle{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .page-title{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .comment-reply-title{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}.wf-active .widget-title{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active h1{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active h2{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active h3{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active h4{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active h5{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active h6{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}@media screen and (min-width: 50em){.wf-active .home-posts-titles h2{font-style:normal;font-weight:400}}</style> <style>img:is([sizes="auto" i], [sizes^="auto," i]) { contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px }</style>  <meta name="description" content="Studies have confirmed that a strong positive relationship exists between the amount of cover provided by shrubs, trees and low-growing plants on creek or river banks and the quality of platypus foraging and burrow habitats (e.g. Ellem et al. 1998, Serena et al. 1998, Worley and Serena 2000, Serena et al. 2001). On average, shrubs" /> <meta name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/" /> <meta name="generator" content="All in One SEO (AIOSEO) 4.7.6" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Australian Platypus Conservancy - Australian Platypus Conservancy" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Managing platypus bank habitats - Australian Platypus Conservancy" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Studies have confirmed that a strong positive relationship exists between the amount of cover provided by shrubs, trees and low-growing plants on creek or river banks and the quality of platypus foraging and burrow habitats (e.g. Ellem et al. 1998, Serena et al. 1998, Worley and Serena 2000, Serena et al. 2001). On average, shrubs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/" /> <meta property="article:published_time" content="2021-06-28T03:26:58+00:00" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2024-05-16T23:32:41+00:00" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Managing platypus bank habitats - Australian Platypus Conservancy" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Studies have confirmed that a strong positive relationship exists between the amount of cover provided by shrubs, trees and low-growing plants on creek or river banks and the quality of platypus foraging and burrow habitats (e.g. Ellem et al. 1998, Serena et al. 1998, Worley and Serena 2000, Serena et al. 2001). On average, shrubs" /> <script type="application/ld+json" class="aioseo-schema"> {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/#listItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/","nextItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/#listItem","name":"Managing platypus bank habitats"}},{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/#listItem","position":2,"name":"Managing platypus bank habitats","previousItem":{"@type":"ListItem","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/#listItem","name":"Home"}}]},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/#organization","name":"Australian Platypus Conservancy","description":"Australian Platypus Conservancy","url":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/","name":"Managing platypus bank habitats - Australian Platypus Conservancy","description":"Studies have confirmed that a strong positive relationship exists between the amount of cover provided by shrubs, trees and low-growing plants on creek or river banks and the quality of platypus foraging and burrow habitats (e.g. Ellem et al. 1998, Serena et al. 1998, Worley and Serena 2000, Serena et al. 2001). On average, shrubs","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/#breadcrumblist"},"datePublished":"2021-06-28T13:26:58+10:00","dateModified":"2024-05-17T09:32:41+10:00"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/#website","url":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/","name":"Australian Platypus Conservancy","description":"Australian Platypus Conservancy","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/#organization"}}]} </script>  <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//secure.gravatar.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//stats.wp.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//fonts-api.wp.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//widgets.wp.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//jetpack.wordpress.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//s0.wp.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//public-api.wordpress.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//0.gravatar.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//1.gravatar.com' /> <link rel='dns-prefetch' href='//2.gravatar.com' /> <link rel='preconnect' href='//i0.wp.com' /> <link rel='preconnect' href='//c0.wp.com' /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Australian Platypus Conservancy » Feed" href="https://platypus.asn.au/feed/" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Australian Platypus Conservancy » Comments Feed" href="https://platypus.asn.au/comments/feed/" /> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ window._wpemojiSettings = {"baseUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/72x72\/","ext":".png","svgUrl":"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/15.0.3\/svg\/","svgExt":".svg","source":{"concatemoji":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-emoji-release.min.js?ver=6.7.1"}}; /*! This file is auto-generated */ !function(i,n){var o,s,e;function c(e){try{var t={supportTests:e,timestamp:(new Date).valueOf()};sessionStorage.setItem(o,JSON.stringify(t))}catch(e){}}function p(e,t,n){e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(t,0,0);var t=new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data),r=(e.clearRect(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height),e.fillText(n,0,0),new Uint32Array(e.getImageData(0,0,e.canvas.width,e.canvas.height).data));return t.every(function(e,t){return e===r[t]})}function u(e,t,n){switch(t){case"flag":return n(e,"\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f","\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200b\u26a7\ufe0f")?!1:!n(e,"\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf3","\ud83c\uddfa\u200b\ud83c\uddf3")&&!n(e,"\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc65\udb40\udc6e\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc7f","\ud83c\udff4\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc62\u200b\udb40\udc65\u200b\udb40\udc6e\u200b\udb40\udc67\u200b\udb40\udc7f");case"emoji":return!n(e,"\ud83d\udc26\u200d\u2b1b","\ud83d\udc26\u200b\u2b1b")}return!1}function f(e,t,n){var r="undefined"!=typeof WorkerGlobalScope&&self instanceof WorkerGlobalScope?new OffscreenCanvas(300,150):i.createElement("canvas"),a=r.getContext("2d",{willReadFrequently:!0}),o=(a.textBaseline="top",a.font="600 32px Arial",{});return e.forEach(function(e){o[e]=t(a,e,n)}),o}function t(e){var t=i.createElement("script");t.src=e,t.defer=!0,i.head.appendChild(t)}"undefined"!=typeof Promise&&(o="wpEmojiSettingsSupports",s=["flag","emoji"],n.supports={everything:!0,everythingExceptFlag:!0},e=new Promise(function(e){i.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",e,{once:!0})}),new Promise(function(t){var n=function(){try{var e=JSON.parse(sessionStorage.getItem(o));if("object"==typeof e&&"number"==typeof e.timestamp&&(new Date).valueOf()<e.timestamp+604800&&"object"==typeof e.supportTests)return e.supportTests}catch(e){}return null}();if(!n){if("undefined"!=typeof Worker&&"undefined"!=typeof OffscreenCanvas&&"undefined"!=typeof URL&&URL.createObjectURL&&"undefined"!=typeof Blob)try{var e="postMessage("+f.toString()+"("+[JSON.stringify(s),u.toString(),p.toString()].join(",")+"));",r=new Blob([e],{type:"text/javascript"}),a=new Worker(URL.createObjectURL(r),{name:"wpTestEmojiSupports"});return void(a.onmessage=function(e){c(n=e.data),a.terminate(),t(n)})}catch(e){}c(n=f(s,u,p))}t(n)}).then(function(e){for(var t in e)n.supports[t]=e[t],n.supports.everything=n.supports.everything&&n.supports[t],"flag"!==t&&(n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&n.supports[t]);n.supports.everythingExceptFlag=n.supports.everythingExceptFlag&&!n.supports.flag,n.DOMReady=!1,n.readyCallback=function(){n.DOMReady=!0}}).then(function(){return e}).then(function(){var e;n.supports.everything||(n.readyCallback(),(e=n.source||{}).concatemoji?t(e.concatemoji):e.wpemoji&&e.twemoji&&(t(e.twemoji),t(e.wpemoji)))}))}((window,document),window._wpemojiSettings); /* ]]> */ </script> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-0189be62e10a69268b7d4412a67a8b98' href='https://platypus.asn.au/_static/??-eJydktFOwzAMRX+ILBpDsBfEyyQ+YB+AssRk3pI4qhNK/x63ZWgrVEN7ixMf33vltFlZSgVS0TlUj4l1MB3VonyDTnPpAiws812bFSYbqgPWB9YRHBoIEHvyvMiCQ6MCeGO7RcR0lZa38/qcmVqztAtkj6wdchnNqdOdWt5Ewaf0MlLim3CTMJoi+JSOVZ0GtNlS5L3+gOSo0aYWEqag1UXUx/CqReehqGG8aLJg403fM2fNVyl30Hi9qxicWI2ZknTw5eZmI/0sZQNZ3EGyKMUrbYxznd6OZsbZwRTgX07KXpYmRuSxNd3fqpOed+r99Qn7kzItMMVZqwco2dijjuRqbybgEWbSTXQk2/e2hgX8V4D3pgE35O+PmPw18m1QIosmqECe+KI4/eeX+Lx8Wq2Wj/cP6/UXMjhUQA==' type='text/css' media='all' /> <style id='gateway-parent-styles-inline-css'> .byline { clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); height: 1px; position: absolute; overflow: hidden; width: 1px; } </style> <style id='wp-emoji-styles-inline-css'> img.wp-smiley, img.emoji { display: inline !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; height: 1em !important; width: 1em !important; margin: 0 0.07em !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; background: none !important; padding: 0 !important; } </style> <style id='jetpack-sharing-buttons-style-inline-css'> .jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list{display:flex;flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0;list-style-type:none;margin:5px;padding:0}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-small-icon-size{font-size:12px}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-normal-icon-size{font-size:16px}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-large-icon-size{font-size:24px}.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-huge-icon-size{font-size:36px}@media print{.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list{display:none!important}}.editor-styles-wrapper .wp-block-jetpack-sharing-buttons{gap:0;padding-inline-start:0}ul.jetpack-sharing-buttons__services-list.has-background{padding:1.25em 2.375em} </style> <style id='global-styles-inline-css'> :root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square: 1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3: 4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4: 3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2: 3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3: 2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9: 16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16: 9/16;--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--font-family--albert-sans: 'Albert Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--alegreya: Alegreya, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--arvo: Arvo, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--bodoni-moda: 'Bodoni Moda', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--bricolage-grotesque: 'Bricolage Grotesque', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--cabin: Cabin, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--chivo: Chivo, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--commissioner: Commissioner, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--cormorant: Cormorant, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--courier-prime: 'Courier Prime', monospace;--wp--preset--font-family--crimson-pro: 'Crimson Pro', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--dm-mono: 'DM Mono', monospace;--wp--preset--font-family--dm-sans: 'DM Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--dm-serif-display: 'DM Serif Display', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--domine: Domine, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--eb-garamond: 'EB Garamond', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--epilogue: Epilogue, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--fahkwang: Fahkwang, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--figtree: Figtree, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--fira-sans: 'Fira Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--fjalla-one: 'Fjalla One', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--fraunces: Fraunces, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--gabarito: Gabarito, system-ui;--wp--preset--font-family--ibm-plex-mono: 'IBM Plex Mono', monospace;--wp--preset--font-family--ibm-plex-sans: 'IBM Plex Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--ibarra-real-nova: 'Ibarra Real Nova', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--instrument-serif: 'Instrument Serif', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--inter: Inter, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--josefin-sans: 'Josefin Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--jost: Jost, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--libre-baskerville: 'Libre Baskerville', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--libre-franklin: 'Libre Franklin', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--literata: Literata, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--lora: Lora, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--merriweather: Merriweather, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--montserrat: Montserrat, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--newsreader: Newsreader, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--noto-sans-mono: 'Noto Sans Mono', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--nunito: Nunito, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--open-sans: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--overpass: Overpass, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--pt-serif: 'PT Serif', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--petrona: Petrona, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--piazzolla: Piazzolla, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--playfair-display: 'Playfair Display', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--plus-jakarta-sans: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--poppins: Poppins, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--raleway: Raleway, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--roboto: Roboto, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--roboto-slab: 'Roboto Slab', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--rubik: Rubik, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--rufina: Rufina, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--sora: Sora, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--source-sans-3: 'Source Sans 3', sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--source-serif-4: 'Source Serif 4', serif;--wp--preset--font-family--space-mono: 'Space Mono', monospace;--wp--preset--font-family--syne: Syne, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--texturina: Texturina, serif;--wp--preset--font-family--urbanist: Urbanist, sans-serif;--wp--preset--font-family--work-sans: 'Work Sans', sans-serif;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;}.has-albert-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--albert-sans) !important;}.has-alegreya-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--alegreya) !important;}.has-arvo-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--arvo) !important;}.has-bodoni-moda-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--bodoni-moda) !important;}.has-bricolage-grotesque-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--bricolage-grotesque) !important;}.has-cabin-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--cabin) !important;}.has-chivo-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--chivo) !important;}.has-commissioner-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--commissioner) !important;}.has-cormorant-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--cormorant) !important;}.has-courier-prime-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--courier-prime) !important;}.has-crimson-pro-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--crimson-pro) !important;}.has-dm-mono-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--dm-mono) !important;}.has-dm-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--dm-sans) !important;}.has-dm-serif-display-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--dm-serif-display) !important;}.has-domine-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--domine) !important;}.has-eb-garamond-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--eb-garamond) !important;}.has-epilogue-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--epilogue) !important;}.has-fahkwang-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--fahkwang) !important;}.has-figtree-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--figtree) !important;}.has-fira-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--fira-sans) !important;}.has-fjalla-one-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--fjalla-one) !important;}.has-fraunces-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--fraunces) !important;}.has-gabarito-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--gabarito) !important;}.has-ibm-plex-mono-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--ibm-plex-mono) !important;}.has-ibm-plex-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--ibm-plex-sans) !important;}.has-ibarra-real-nova-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--ibarra-real-nova) !important;}.has-instrument-serif-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--instrument-serif) !important;}.has-inter-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--inter) !important;}.has-josefin-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--josefin-sans) !important;}.has-jost-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--jost) !important;}.has-libre-baskerville-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--libre-baskerville) !important;}.has-libre-franklin-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--libre-franklin) !important;}.has-literata-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--literata) !important;}.has-lora-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--lora) !important;}.has-merriweather-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--merriweather) !important;}.has-montserrat-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--montserrat) !important;}.has-newsreader-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--newsreader) !important;}.has-noto-sans-mono-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--noto-sans-mono) !important;}.has-nunito-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--nunito) !important;}.has-open-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--open-sans) !important;}.has-overpass-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--overpass) !important;}.has-pt-serif-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--pt-serif) !important;}.has-petrona-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--petrona) !important;}.has-piazzolla-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--piazzolla) !important;}.has-playfair-display-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--playfair-display) !important;}.has-plus-jakarta-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--plus-jakarta-sans) !important;}.has-poppins-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--poppins) !important;}.has-raleway-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--raleway) !important;}.has-roboto-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--roboto) !important;}.has-roboto-slab-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--roboto-slab) !important;}.has-rubik-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--rubik) !important;}.has-rufina-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--rufina) !important;}.has-sora-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--sora) !important;}.has-source-sans-3-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--source-sans-3) !important;}.has-source-serif-4-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--source-serif-4) !important;}.has-space-mono-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--space-mono) !important;}.has-syne-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--syne) !important;}.has-texturina-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--texturina) !important;}.has-urbanist-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--urbanist) !important;}.has-work-sans-font-family{font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--work-sans) !important;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} :root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='dashicons-css' href='https://platypus.asn.au/wp-includes/css/dashicons.min.css?ver=6.7.1' media='all' /> <link rel='stylesheet' id='gateway-fonts-css' href='https://fonts-api.wp.com/css?family=Quattrocento%3A400%2C700%7CFanwood+Text%3A400%2C400italic&subset=latin%2Clatin-ext' media='all' /> <style id='jetpack-global-styles-frontend-style-inline-css'> :root { --font-headings: unset; --font-base: unset; --font-headings-default: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"Segoe UI",Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,"Helvetica Neue",sans-serif; --font-base-default: -apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"Segoe UI",Roboto,Oxygen-Sans,Ubuntu,Cantarell,"Helvetica Neue",sans-serif;} </style> <script type="text/javascript" id="jetpack-mu-wpcom-settings-js-before"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var JETPACK_MU_WPCOM_SETTINGS = {"assetsUrl":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/wp-content\/mu-plugins\/wpcomsh\/vendor\/automattic\/jetpack-mu-wpcom\/src\/build\/"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" id="wpgmza_data-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var wpgmza_google_api_status = {"message":"Engine is not google-maps","code":"ENGINE_NOT_GOOGLE_MAPS"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://platypus.asn.au/wp-content/plugins/wp-google-maps/wpgmza_data.js?m=1732034880'></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://platypus.asn.au/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.min.js?ver=3.7.1" id="jquery-core-js"></script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://platypus.asn.au/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery-migrate.min.js?m=1686289764'></script> <link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://platypus.asn.au/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" title="JSON" type="application/json" href="https://platypus.asn.au/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/6146" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://platypus.asn.au/xmlrpc.php?rsd" /> <link rel='shortlink' href='https://wp.me/P88gm0-1B8' /> <link rel="alternate" title="oEmbed (JSON)" type="application/json+oembed" href="https://platypus.asn.au/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplatypus.asn.au%2Fprotecting-and-improving-bank-habitats%2F" /> <link rel="alternate" title="oEmbed (XML)" type="text/xml+oembed" href="https://platypus.asn.au/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplatypus.asn.au%2Fprotecting-and-improving-bank-habitats%2F&format=xml" /> <style>img#wpstats{display:none}</style> <style type="text/css"> .site-title, .site-description { position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); } .header-bg { background-image: url( https://platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-feeding_platypus_commons1.jpg ); background-repeat: no-repeat; } @media screen and ( min-width: 50em ) { .header-bg { background-attachment: scroll; background-position: center; } } </style> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/?amp"><link rel="icon" href="https://s0.wp.com/i/webclip.png" sizes="32x32" /> <link rel="icon" href="https://s0.wp.com/i/webclip.png" sizes="192x192" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://s0.wp.com/i/webclip.png" /> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://s0.wp.com/i/webclip.png" /> <style type="text/css" id="wp-custom-css">p {color:#000000;}</style></head> <body class="page-template-default page page-id-6146 group-blog custom-colors author-hidden"> <div id="page" class="hfeed site"> <a class="skip-link screen-reader-text" href="#content">Skip to content</a> <div class="header-bg"> <div class="site-branding"> <h1 class="site-title"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/" rel="home">Australian Platypus Conservancy</a></h1> <h2 class="site-description">Australian Platypus Conservancy</h2> </div> </div> <header id="masthead" class="site-header" role="banner"> <div class="stick"> <nav id="site-navigation" class="main-navigation clear" role="navigation"> <button class="menu-toggle" aria-controls="primary-menu" aria-expanded="false">Menu</button> <div class="menu-primary-container"><ul id="primary-menu" class="menu"><li id="menu-item-18" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-18"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/">HOME</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2183" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2183"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-survey-monitoring/">Platypus Survey & Monitoring</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-2185" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2185"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/overview-of-methods-pros-and-cons/">Platypus survey methods (pros and cons)</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2187" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2187"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/live-trapping-methods/">Live-trapping methods</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2189" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2189"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/visual-methods/">Visual methods</a></li> <li id="menu-item-2317" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2317"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/other-methods-for-platypus-survey-or-monitoring/">Environmental DNA (eDNA)</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6616" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6616"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/cameras/">Cameras</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6615" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6615"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/burrow-counts/">Platypus burrow counts</a></li> <li id="menu-item-249" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-249"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/spotting-hints/">Spotting hints</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1990" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-1990"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/conservation-issues/">Platypus Conservation Issues</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-12235" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12235"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/water-flow-and-the-platypus/">Water flow</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12236" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12236"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/water-quality-and-the-platypus/">Water quality</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12233" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12233"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-habitat-quality/">Habitat quality</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12239" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12239"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/dams-weirs-and-the-platypus/">Dams & weirs</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12237" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12237"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/urban-stream-syndrome-and-the-platypus/">Urban development</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12240" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12240"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/pumps-pipes-culverts-and-the-platypus/">Culverts & pipes</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12241" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12241"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/litter-and-the-platypus/">Litter</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12234" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12234"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/angling-and-the-platypus/">Angling</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12231" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12231"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-deaths-in-nets-and-traps/">Dangerous nets & traps</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12238" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12238"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-predators-and-disease/">Predators & disease</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12232" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12232"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/wildfire-and-the-platypus/">Wildfire</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-6285" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page current-menu-ancestor current-menu-parent current_page_parent current_page_ancestor menu-item-has-children menu-item-6285"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/management-guidelines-2/">Platypus Management Guidelines</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-6286" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6286"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/maintaining-a-suitable-flow-regime-in-managed-river-systems/">Streamflow</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6291" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6291"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/water-quality-and-sediment-contaminants/">Water quality</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6288" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page current-menu-item page_item page-item-6146 current_page_item menu-item-6288"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/" aria-current="page">Bank habitats</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6289" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6289"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/instream-woody-habitat-logs-and-branches/">Instream wood</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6290" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6290"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/managing-stormwater-drainage/">Stormwater drainage</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6287" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6287"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-drought-refuges/">Drought refuges</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6295" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6295"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/culverts-pipes-and-grilles/">Culverts & pipes</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6297" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6297"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/weir-walls-and-fishways/">Weirs & fishways</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6296" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6296"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/walking-tracks-viewing-platforms-bridges-and-street-lighting/">Paths & lights</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6293" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6293"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/use-of-heavy-machinery-in-and-near-waterways/">Use of heavy equipment</a></li> <li id="menu-item-6298" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6298"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/pumps-and-small-scale-hydropower-generators/">Pumps & generators</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-11698" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-11698"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-biology/">Platypus Biology</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-11651" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11651"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-vital-statistics/">Vital statistics</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11652" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11652"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-fur-colour-and-general-features/">General features and fur colour</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11653" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11653"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/the-platypus-bill-push-rods-and-electroreception/">The bill and its senses</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11654" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11654"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-vision-and-hearing/">Vision and hearing</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11655" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11655"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-body-temperature/">Body temperature</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11656" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11656"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-venom-and-spurs/">Venom and spurs</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11657" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11657"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-genetics-and-dispersal/">Genetics and dispersal</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11658" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11658"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-sleep-and-dreaming/">Sleep and dreaming</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1999" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-1999"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/ecology-behaviour/">Platypus Ecology & Behaviour</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-11666" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11666"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-foraging-behaviour/">Foraging behaviour</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11667" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11667"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-diet-and-food-consumption/">Diet and food consumption</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11668" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11668"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-home-range-movements-and-dispersal/">Home range and movements</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11669" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11669"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-burrows/">Burrows</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11670" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11670"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-reproduction/">Reproduction</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11671" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11671"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-courtship-mating-and-nest-building/">Courtship, mating and nest-building</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11672" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11672"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-communication/">Communication</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11673" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11673"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-mortality-factors/">Mortality factors</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-2003" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2003"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/evolution-names/">Names & Evolution</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-11638" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11638"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-names-including-whats-the-plural-of-platypus/">Names (including “What’s the plural of platypus?”)</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11640" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11640"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/the-platypuss-fossil-history/">Fossil history</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11641" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11641"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/echidnas-the-other-modern-monotremes/">Echidnas – the other modern monotremes</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-2001" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2001"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/distribution-numbers/">Platypus Status</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-12577" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12577"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/conservation-status/">Platypus conservation status</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12578" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12578"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/distribution/">Platypus distribution</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12576" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12576"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/population-size-and-density/">Platypus abundance</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-1998" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-1998"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/faqs/">FAQs & Myths</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-12574" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12574"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/some-platypus-faqs/">Some platypus FAQs</a></li> <li id="menu-item-12575" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-12575"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-myths/">Some platypus myths</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-11819" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-11819"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-master/">Rakali</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-11774" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11774"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-size-and-general-features/">Size and general features</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11793" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11793"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-distribution-and-habitats/">Distribution and habitats</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11770" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11770"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-names-and-origin/">Names and origin</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11785" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11785"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-spatial-use-and-shelter-sites/">Spatial use and shelter sites</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11779" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11779"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-diet-and-foraging-behaviour/">Diet and foraging behaviour</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11782" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11782"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-reproduction/">Reproduction</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11789" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11789"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/rakali-conservation-status-and-concerns/">Rakali conservation status</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11791" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11791"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/coexistence-of-rakali-and-platypus/">Coexistence of rakali and platypus</a></li> </ul> </li> <li id="menu-item-19" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-privacy-policy menu-item-19"><a rel="privacy-policy" href="https://platypus.asn.au/about/">About the Conservancy</a></li> <li id="menu-item-21" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-21"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/apc-newsletter/">APC Newsletter</a></li> <li id="menu-item-10930" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-10930"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/report-a-sighting/">Report a Sighting</a></li> <li id="menu-item-13134" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-13134"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/how-you-can-help/">Donate</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li id="menu-item-11145" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11145"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/donate-by-bank-transfer/">Donate by bank transfer</a></li> <li id="menu-item-11141" class="menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-11141"><a href="https://platypus.asn.au/donate-by-visa-mastercard/">Donate by Visa/Mastercard</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul></div> </nav> </div> </header> <div id="content" class="site-content"> <div id="primary" class="content-area"> <main id="main" class="site-main" role="main"> <article id="post-6146" class="post-6146 page type-page status-publish hentry"> <header class="entry-header"> <h2 class="entry-title">Managing platypus bank habitats</h2> </header> <div class="entry-content"> <div class="featured-image"> </div> <div class="wp-block-image is-resized"> <figure class="alignright size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="748" height="499" data-attachment-id="6234" data-permalink="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/011-hg-turf-west-pump-ds/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?fit=4608%2C3072&ssl=1" data-orig-size="4608,3072" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"7.1","credit":"","camera":"NIKON D3100","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1584434481","copyright":"","focal_length":"18","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.005","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?fit=748%2C499&ssl=1" class="wp-image-6234" src="https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=748%2C499&ssl=1" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/platypus.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/011-HG-Turf-west-pump-ds.jpg?w=2244&ssl=1 2244w" sizes="(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px" /></figure></div> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Studies have confirmed that a strong positive relationship exists between the amount of cover provided by shrubs, trees and low-growing plants on creek or river banks and the quality of platypus foraging and burrow habitats (e.g. Ellem <em>et al</em>. 1998, Serena <em>et al</em>. 1998, Worley and Serena 2000, Serena <em>et al.</em> 2001). On average, shrubs or tall grasses grew along 72% of the bank edge in platypus habitats supporting breeding-age females in the upper Wimmera River system in western Victoria (Worley and Serena 2000). Similarly, 70% of burrows used by radio-tagged platypus in Melbourne’s Yarra River occurred at sites where overhanging vegetation grew along more than 40% of the bank edge (Serena et al. 1998). </p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">A self-sustaining corridor of dense riparian vegetation is of enormous value in stabilising banks and preventing erosion. Trees and overhanging shrubs shade the water and keep it cool in summer, thereby improving the availability of dissolved oxygen to macroinvertebrates that in turn are eaten by the platypus. Plants are also a crucial source of organic matter (fallen branches, twigs, leaves, buds and flowers) that helps to fuel the aquatic food web and promotes instream habitat diversity. In the case of urban waterways, a substantial corridor of trees and shrubs also acts to screen out noise and artificial light, trap litter and other pollutants, reduce trampling by humans and restrict access by unsupervised pets.</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Platypus foraging activity has been found to be reduced at sites where numerous willows occur, particularly in places where a tough, fibrous layer of willow roots has invaded a large proportion of the channel (Serena et al. 2001). However, it is important that eradication programs for willows or other weedy plants do not contribute to subsequent bank erosion. In addition, platypus survival may be compromised (particularly along narrow creeks) if predation risk increases after cover is reduced by weed control activities.</p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>What can be done to protect the platypus?</strong></p> <ul class="has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-list"> <li>Urban (or other) development should never be allowed to encroach unreasonably close to creeks and rivers where platypus occur. A review by Le Feuvre et al. (2018) concluded that, as a rough rule of thumb, a well-vegetated setback of 30 metres (or more) on both banks is recommended to protect water quality and productive instream processes in relatively small creeks, with wider setbacks needed to support the viability of larger streams or rivers (at least 50 metres on both banks). Even wider setbacks may be required to maintain populations of sensitive aquatic fauna, including many frog species. We agree with Le Feuvre et al. (2018) that the platypus is appropriately deemed to be setback-sensitive, due to the platypus’s high energy/food requirements throughout the year and (particularly in the case of seasonally shallow streams) vulnerability to predators such as foxes. See also <span style="color: #ff0000;"><a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://platypus.asn.au/platypus-mortality-factors/">Platypus mortality factors</a></span>.</li> </ul> <ul class="has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-list"> <li>Unrestricted livestock access often causes bank habitats to become degraded, sometimes very severely. To protect populations of platypus and other aquatic wildlife (such as fish), creek and river banks should be fenced to restrict their use by livestock, ideally on a permanent year-round basis.</li> </ul> <ul class="has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-list"> <li>Willows should be progressively removed from river catchments and replaced with indigenous vegetation to improve overall habitat quality. To minimise disturbance and potential erosion, willow trunks should be cut and hand-painted with herbicide while the root system is left intact to rot naturally; sites where willows have been removed should be replanted as soon as possible with appropriate native trees and shrubs.</li> </ul> <ul class="has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-list"> <li>In cases where a weedy species dominates both banks of a creek or river for a considerable distance (e.g. 100 metres or more), consideration should be given to staging removal programs so the plant is eliminated from one bank in one year and the opposite bank in a later year.</li> </ul> <ul class="has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-list"> <li>Herbicides used to control riparian weeds should never be allowed to enter the water, either directly or through storm run-off. Areas of bare soil caused by herbicide use should be planted (or reseeded) as soon as possible with appropriate indigenous species.</li> </ul> <ul class="has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-list"> <li>To avoid damaging platypus burrows, use of heavy machinery within about 15 metres of the water’s edge should be avoided whenever possible in platypus habitats. Special care should be taken not to disrupt banks or cause them to become compacted in spring and summer when females are raising their young, particularly in places where platypus are abundant. </li> </ul> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><em>Photo: APC</em></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>LITERATURE CITED</strong></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><em>Ellem B, Bryant A and O’Connor A (1998) Statistical modelling of platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, habitat preferences using generalised linear models. Australian Mammalogy 20, 281-285.</em></p> <p><em>Le Feuvre M, Sutton F and Malony C (2018) Riparian setback widths: a review of recommendations for guidelines. Report to Melbourne Water by Ecology Australia: Fairfield VIC.</em> </p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><em>Serena M, Thomas JL, Williams GA and Officer RCE (1998) Use of stream and river habitats by the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, in an urban fringe environment. Australian Journal of Zoology 46, 267-282.</em></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><em>Serena M, Worley M, Swinnerton M and Williams GA (2001) Effect of food availability and habitat on the distribution of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) foraging activity. Australian Journal of Zoology 49, 263-277. </em></p> <p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><em>Worley M and Serena M (2000) Ecology and conservation of platypus in the Wimmera River catchment: IV. Results of habitat studies, summer 1999. Report to Rio Tinto Project Platypus by Australian Platypus Conservancy.</em></p> <p> </p> <div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled"><div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon-text sd-sharing"><h3 class="sd-title">Share this:</h3><div class="sd-content"><ul><li class="share-facebook"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="sharing-facebook-6146" class="share-facebook sd-button share-icon" href="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/?share=facebook" target="_blank" title="Click to share on Facebook" ><span>Facebook</span></a></li><li class="share-email"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="" class="share-email sd-button share-icon" href="mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Managing%20platypus%20bank%20habitats&body=https%3A%2F%2Fplatypus.asn.au%2Fprotecting-and-improving-bank-habitats%2F&share=email" target="_blank" title="Click to email a link to a friend" data-email-share-error-title="Do you have email set up?" data-email-share-error-text="If you're having problems sharing via email, you might not have email set up for your browser. You may need to create a new email yourself." data-email-share-nonce="ca4bd0b353" data-email-share-track-url="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/?share=email"><span>Email</span></a></li><li class="share-twitter"><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" data-shared="sharing-twitter-6146" class="share-twitter sd-button share-icon" href="https://platypus.asn.au/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats/?share=twitter" target="_blank" title="Click to share on Twitter" ><span>Twitter</span></a></li><li class="share-end"></li></ul></div></div></div><div class='sharedaddy sd-block sd-like jetpack-likes-widget-wrapper jetpack-likes-widget-unloaded' id='like-post-wrapper-120180180-6146-674e79ea14f61' data-src='https://widgets.wp.com/likes/?ver=14.1-a.7#blog_id=120180180&post_id=6146&origin=platypus.asn.au&obj_id=120180180-6146-674e79ea14f61&n=1' data-name='like-post-frame-120180180-6146-674e79ea14f61' data-title='Like or Reblog'><h3 class="sd-title">Like this:</h3><div class='likes-widget-placeholder post-likes-widget-placeholder' style='height: 55px;'><span class='button'><span>Like</span></span> <span class="loading">Loading...</span></div><span class='sd-text-color'></span><a class='sd-link-color'></a></div> </div> <footer class="entry-footer"> </footer> </article> </main> </div> <div id="secondary" class="widget-area" role="complementary"> <aside id="search-1" class="widget widget_search"><form role="search" method="get" class="search-form" action="https://platypus.asn.au/"> <label> <span class="screen-reader-text">Search for:</span> <input type="search" class="search-field" placeholder="Search …" value="" name="s" /> </label> <input type="submit" class="search-submit" value="Search" /> </form></aside><aside id="wpcom_social_media_icons_widget-1" class="widget widget_wpcom_social_media_icons_widget"><h1 class="widget-title">Social</h1><ul><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Australian-Platypus-Conservancy-Official-225816770830721/" class="genericon genericon-facebook" target="_blank"><span class="screen-reader-text">View Australian-Platypus-Conservancy-Official-225816770830721’s profile on Facebook</span></a></li></ul></aside><aside id="archives-3" class="widget widget_archive"><h1 class="widget-title">Archives</h1> <label class="screen-reader-text" for="archives-dropdown-3">Archives</label> <select id="archives-dropdown-3" name="archive-dropdown"> <option value="">Select Month</option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2024/09/'> September 2024 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2024/03/'> March 2024 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2023/12/'> December 2023 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2023/09/'> September 2023 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2023/03/'> March 2023 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2022/12/'> December 2022 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2022/10/'> October 2022 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2022/09/'> September 2022 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2022/06/'> June 2022 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2022/03/'> March 2022 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2021/12/'> December 2021 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2021/09/'> September 2021 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2021/06/'> June 2021 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2021/03/'> March 2021 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2020/11/'> November 2020 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2020/09/'> September 2020 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2020/06/'> June 2020 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2020/02/'> February 2020 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2019/12/'> December 2019 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2019/11/'> November 2019 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2019/07/'> July 2019 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2019/06/'> June 2019 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2019/03/'> March 2019 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2018/12/'> December 2018 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2018/09/'> September 2018 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2018/06/'> June 2018 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2018/03/'> March 2018 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2017/12/'> December 2017 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2017/11/'> November 2017 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2017/07/'> July 2017 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2017/04/'> April 2017 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2016/11/'> November 2016 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2016/08/'> August 2016 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2016/05/'> May 2016 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2016/02/'> February 2016 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2015/11/'> November 2015 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2015/08/'> August 2015 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2015/05/'> May 2015 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2015/02/'> February 2015 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2014/11/'> November 2014 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2014/08/'> August 2014 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2014/05/'> May 2014 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2014/02/'> February 2014 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2013/11/'> November 2013 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2013/08/'> August 2013 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2013/06/'> June 2013 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2013/02/'> February 2013 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2012/10/'> October 2012 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2012/06/'> June 2012 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2012/02/'> February 2012 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2011/10/'> October 2011 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2011/06/'> June 2011 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2011/03/'> March 2011 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2010/10/'> October 2010 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2010/06/'> June 2010 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2010/03/'> March 2010 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2009/10/'> October 2009 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2009/05/'> May 2009 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2009/02/'> February 2009 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2008/09/'> September 2008 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2008/03/'> March 2008 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2007/10/'> October 2007 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2007/05/'> May 2007 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2007/01/'> January 2007 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2006/08/'> August 2006 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2006/02/'> February 2006 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2005/10/'> October 2005 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2005/06/'> June 2005 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2005/02/'> February 2005 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2004/10/'> October 2004 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2004/05/'> May 2004 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2004/02/'> February 2004 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2003/09/'> September 2003 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2003/03/'> March 2003 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2002/10/'> October 2002 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2002/07/'> July 2002 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2001/11/'> November 2001 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2001/09/'> September 2001 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2001/06/'> June 2001 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2000/12/'> December 2000 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2000/07/'> July 2000 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/2000/04/'> April 2000 </option> <option value='https://platypus.asn.au/1999/12/'> December 1999 </option> </select> <script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ (function() { var dropdown = document.getElementById( "archives-dropdown-3" ); function onSelectChange() { if ( dropdown.options[ dropdown.selectedIndex ].value !== '' ) { document.location.href = this.options[ this.selectedIndex ].value; } } dropdown.onchange = onSelectChange; })(); /* ]]> */ </script> </aside> </div> </div> <div class="footer-wrap clear"> <footer id="colophon" class="site-footer" role="contentinfo"> <div class="footer-widgets"> <div class="widget-area"> <aside id="text-2" class="widget widget_text"><h1 class="widget-title">Report a Platypus Sighting</h1> <div class="textwidget">If you have ever seen a platypus in the wild (either alive or dead), you possess information that is vital to our understanding of the status, distribution and conservation needs of the species. Therefore, please consider reporting the details of your sighting(s) to the Australian Platypus Conservancy. Use our <a href="https://platypus.asn.au/report-a-sighting/">Reporting Form</a> </div> </aside> </div> <div class="widget-area"> <aside id="text-3" class="widget widget_text"><h1 class="widget-title">Platypus & Water Rat Reports</h1> <div class="textwidget">If you wish to keep up to date with the Platypus and Water Rat Reports, please go to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Australian-Platypus-Conservancy-Official-225816770830721/">Facebook Page </a></div> </aside> </div> <div class="widget-area"> <aside id="text-4" class="widget widget_text"><h1 class="widget-title">Rakali – the water rat</h1> <div class="textwidget">Information about the Rakali or Australian water-rat is available via the <a href="/rakali">Rakali Page</a>. These are often mistaken for platypus, or found in similar locations.</div> </aside> </div> </div> <div class="site-info"> <a href="https://wordpress.com/?ref=footer_custom_powered">Powered by WordPress.com</a>. </div> </footer> </div> </div>  <script defer id="bilmur" data-customproperties="{"woo_active":"0"}" data-provider="wordpress.com" data-service="atomic" src="https://s0.wp.com/wp-content/js/bilmur.min.js?m=202449"></script> <div id="jp-carousel-loading-overlay"> <div id="jp-carousel-loading-wrapper"> <span id="jp-carousel-library-loading"> </span> </div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-overlay" style="display: none;"> <div class="jp-carousel-container">  <div class="jp-carousel-wrap swiper-container jp-carousel-swiper-container jp-carousel-transitions" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageGallery"> <div class="jp-carousel swiper-wrapper"></div> <div class="jp-swiper-button-prev swiper-button-prev"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskPrev" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="8" y="6" width="9" height="12"> <path d="M16.2072 16.59L11.6496 12L16.2072 7.41L14.8041 6L8.8335 12L14.8041 18L16.2072 16.59Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskPrev)"> <rect x="0.579102" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </div> <div class="jp-swiper-button-next swiper-button-next"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskNext" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="8" y="6" width="8" height="12"> <path d="M8.59814 16.59L13.1557 12L8.59814 7.41L10.0012 6L15.9718 12L10.0012 18L8.59814 16.59Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskNext)"> <rect x="0.34375" width="23.8822" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </div> </div>  <div class="jp-carousel-close-hint"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskClose" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="5" y="5" width="15" height="14"> <path d="M19.3166 6.41L17.9135 5L12.3509 10.59L6.78834 5L5.38525 6.41L10.9478 12L5.38525 17.59L6.78834 19L12.3509 13.41L17.9135 19L19.3166 17.59L13.754 12L19.3166 6.41Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskClose)"> <rect x="0.409668" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </div>  <div class="jp-carousel-info"> <div class="jp-carousel-info-footer"> <div class="jp-carousel-pagination-container"> <div class="jp-swiper-pagination swiper-pagination"></div> <div class="jp-carousel-pagination"></div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-title-container"> <h2 class="jp-carousel-photo-caption"></h2> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-icons-container"> <a href="#" class="jp-carousel-icon-btn jp-carousel-icon-info" aria-label="Toggle photo metadata visibility"> <span class="jp-carousel-icon"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskInfo" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="2" y="2" width="21" height="20"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M12.7537 2C7.26076 2 2.80273 6.48 2.80273 12C2.80273 17.52 7.26076 22 12.7537 22C18.2466 22 22.7046 17.52 22.7046 12C22.7046 6.48 18.2466 2 12.7537 2ZM11.7586 7V9H13.7488V7H11.7586ZM11.7586 11V17H13.7488V11H11.7586ZM4.79292 12C4.79292 16.41 8.36531 20 12.7537 20C17.142 20 20.7144 16.41 20.7144 12C20.7144 7.59 17.142 4 12.7537 4C8.36531 4 4.79292 7.59 4.79292 12Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskInfo)"> <rect x="0.8125" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> </span> </a> <a href="#" class="jp-carousel-icon-btn jp-carousel-icon-comments" aria-label="Toggle photo comments visibility"> <span class="jp-carousel-icon"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="maskComments" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="2" y="2" width="21" height="20"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M4.3271 2H20.2486C21.3432 2 22.2388 2.9 22.2388 4V16C22.2388 17.1 21.3432 18 20.2486 18H6.31729L2.33691 22V4C2.33691 2.9 3.2325 2 4.3271 2ZM6.31729 16H20.2486V4H4.3271V18L6.31729 16Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#maskComments)"> <rect x="0.34668" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> <span class="jp-carousel-has-comments-indicator" aria-label="This image has comments."></span> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-info-extra"> <div class="jp-carousel-info-content-wrapper"> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-title-container"> <h2 class="jp-carousel-photo-title"></h2> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-comments-wrapper"> <div id="jp-carousel-comments-loading"> <span>Loading Comments...</span> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-comments"></div> <div id="jp-carousel-comment-form-container"> <span id="jp-carousel-comment-form-spinner"> </span> <div id="jp-carousel-comment-post-results"></div> <form id="jp-carousel-comment-form"> <label for="jp-carousel-comment-form-comment-field" class="screen-reader-text">Write a Comment...</label> <textarea name="comment" class="jp-carousel-comment-form-field jp-carousel-comment-form-textarea" id="jp-carousel-comment-form-comment-field" placeholder="Write a Comment..." ></textarea> <div id="jp-carousel-comment-form-submit-and-info-wrapper"> <div id="jp-carousel-comment-form-commenting-as"> <fieldset> <label for="jp-carousel-comment-form-email-field">Email (Required)</label> <input type="text" name="email" class="jp-carousel-comment-form-field jp-carousel-comment-form-text-field" id="jp-carousel-comment-form-email-field" /> </fieldset> <fieldset> <label for="jp-carousel-comment-form-author-field">Name (Required)</label> <input type="text" name="author" class="jp-carousel-comment-form-field jp-carousel-comment-form-text-field" id="jp-carousel-comment-form-author-field" /> </fieldset> <fieldset> <label for="jp-carousel-comment-form-url-field">Website</label> <input type="text" name="url" class="jp-carousel-comment-form-field jp-carousel-comment-form-text-field" id="jp-carousel-comment-form-url-field" /> </fieldset> </div> <input type="submit" name="submit" class="jp-carousel-comment-form-button" id="jp-carousel-comment-form-button-submit" value="Post Comment" /> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-image-meta"> <div class="jp-carousel-title-and-caption"> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-info"> <h3 class="jp-carousel-caption" itemprop="caption description"></h3> </div> <div class="jp-carousel-photo-description"></div> </div> <ul class="jp-carousel-image-exif" style="display: none;"></ul> <a class="jp-carousel-image-download" href="#" target="_blank" style="display: none;"> <svg width="25" height="24" viewBox="0 0 25 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <mask id="mask0" mask-type="alpha" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" x="3" y="3" width="19" height="18"> <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M5.84615 5V19H19.7775V12H21.7677V19C21.7677 20.1 20.8721 21 19.7775 21H5.84615C4.74159 21 3.85596 20.1 3.85596 19V5C3.85596 3.9 4.74159 3 5.84615 3H12.8118V5H5.84615ZM14.802 5V3H21.7677V10H19.7775V6.41L9.99569 16.24L8.59261 14.83L18.3744 5H14.802Z" fill="white"/> </mask> <g mask="url(#mask0)"> <rect x="0.870605" width="23.8823" height="24" fill="#FFFFFF"/> </g> </svg> <span class="jp-carousel-download-text"></span> </a> <div class="jp-carousel-image-map" style="display: none;"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> window.WPCOM_sharing_counts = {"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/protecting-and-improving-bank-habitats\/":6146}; </script> <link rel='stylesheet' id='all-css-867e70fe53ef820c94e92386f6f608bd' href='https://platypus.asn.au/_static/??-eJyVT8sKAjEM/CFrWMG1F/FTpKahRNu0NC3Fv1dY97ag3oZ5MTOKwSyNpEGJPbAo3KkVhw9I2fdICuhq7koRdHCham5dfKQ9qu7GH+mPYFbiW8GVBSGQUOW3RbfhrysG+0BNQTOyiyaRZ2eWMm3P5c0lnaf5dJiO1s72Bc14asI=' type='text/css' media='all' /> <script type="text/javascript" id="coblocks-tinyswiper-initializer-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var coblocksTinyswiper = {"carouselPrevButtonAriaLabel":"Previous","carouselNextButtonAriaLabel":"Next","sliderImageAriaLabel":"Image"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://platypus.asn.au/_static/??-eJyNjkGOwjAQBD+EGcEByAHxFGScIXTsjA0zJsu+folWggMgcW11dddYXMhiLEYl1Q6iFPIh5RCVWqhR/wycFwzekGXe62z8gryytPmiZJCb0xGFL9+ij9OJ/UcdBAaf8PsyYyceWKnzxqO/Tbz4K7p3sq9VjSguQaI75lDVHfHzwbJnKz5E2kMCHSpSSwnxvnauXPnkpU13tQHT527YLtbLzaZpmsXqD5R+iGU='></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://stats.wp.com/e-202449.js" id="jetpack-stats-js" data-wp-strategy="defer"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="jetpack-stats-js-after"> /* <![CDATA[ */ _stq = window._stq || []; _stq.push([ "view", JSON.parse("{\"v\":\"ext\",\"blog\":\"120180180\",\"post\":\"6146\",\"tz\":\"10\",\"srv\":\"platypus.asn.au\",\"hp\":\"atomic\",\"ac\":\"2\",\"amp\":\"0\",\"j\":\"1:14.1-a.7\"}") ]); _stq.push([ "clickTrackerInit", "120180180", "6146" ]); /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" id="jetpack-carousel-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var jetpackSwiperLibraryPath = {"url":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/wp-content\/plugins\/jetpack\/_inc\/build\/carousel\/swiper-bundle.min.js"}; var jetpackCarouselStrings = {"widths":[370,700,1000,1200,1400,2000],"is_logged_in":"","lang":"en","ajaxurl":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","nonce":"13f5c0217c","display_exif":"1","display_comments":"1","single_image_gallery":"1","single_image_gallery_media_file":"","background_color":"black","comment":"Comment","post_comment":"Post Comment","write_comment":"Write a Comment...","loading_comments":"Loading Comments...","image_label":"Open image in full-screen.","download_original":"View full size <span class=\"photo-size\">{0}<span class=\"photo-size-times\">\u00d7<\/span>{1}<\/span>","no_comment_text":"Please be sure to submit some text with your comment.","no_comment_email":"Please provide an email address to comment.","no_comment_author":"Please provide your name to comment.","comment_post_error":"Sorry, but there was an error posting your comment. Please try again later.","comment_approved":"Your comment was approved.","comment_unapproved":"Your comment is in moderation.","camera":"Camera","aperture":"Aperture","shutter_speed":"Shutter Speed","focal_length":"Focal Length","copyright":"Copyright","comment_registration":"0","require_name_email":"1","login_url":"https:\/\/platypus.asn.au\/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fplatypus.asn.au%2Fprotecting-and-improving-bank-habitats%2F","blog_id":"1","meta_data":["camera","aperture","shutter_speed","focal_length","copyright"]}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type='text/javascript' src='https://platypus.asn.au/wp-content/plugins/jetpack/_inc/build/carousel/jetpack-carousel.min.js?m=1730206540'></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="sharing-js-js-extra"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var sharing_js_options = {"lang":"en","counts":"1","is_stats_active":"1"}; /* ]]> */ </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://platypus.asn.au/wp-content/plugins/jetpack/_inc/build/sharedaddy/sharing.min.js?ver=14.1-a.7" id="sharing-js-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" id="sharing-js-js-after"> /* <![CDATA[ */ var windowOpen; ( function () { function matches( el, sel ) { return !! ( el.matches && el.matches( sel ) || el.msMatchesSelector && el.msMatchesSelector( sel ) ); } document.body.addEventListener( 'click', function ( event ) { if ( ! event.target ) { return; } var el; if ( matches( event.target, 'a.share-facebook' ) ) { el = event.target; } else if ( event.target.parentNode && matches( event.target.parentNode, 'a.share-facebook' ) ) { el = event.target.parentNode; } if ( el ) { event.preventDefault(); // If there's another sharing window open, close it. if ( typeof windowOpen !== 'undefined' ) { windowOpen.close(); } windowOpen = window.open( el.getAttribute( 'href' ), 'wpcomfacebook', 'menubar=1,resizable=1,width=600,height=400' ); return false; } } ); } )(); var windowOpen; ( function () { function matches( el, sel ) { return !! ( el.matches && el.matches( sel ) || el.msMatchesSelector && el.msMatchesSelector( sel ) ); } document.body.addEventListener( 'click', function ( event ) { if ( ! event.target ) { return; } var el; if ( matches( event.target, 'a.share-twitter' ) ) { el = event.target; } else if ( event.target.parentNode && matches( event.target.parentNode, 'a.share-twitter' ) ) { el = event.target.parentNode; } if ( el ) { event.preventDefault(); // If there's another sharing window open, close it. if ( typeof windowOpen !== 'undefined' ) { windowOpen.close(); } windowOpen = window.open( el.getAttribute( 'href' ), 'wpcomtwitter', 'menubar=1,resizable=1,width=600,height=350' ); return false; } } ); } )(); /* ]]> */ </script> <iframe src='https://widgets.wp.com/likes/master.html?ver=20241203#ver=20241203&n=1' scrolling='no' id='likes-master' name='likes-master' style='display:none;'></iframe> <div id='likes-other-gravatars' class='wpl-new-layout' role="dialog" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="likes-text"><span>%d</span></div><ul class="wpl-avatars sd-like-gravatars"></ul></div> </body> </html>