RESUMEN
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of the world's most evolutionarily distinct mammals, one of five extant species of egg-laying mammals, and the only living species within the family Ornithorhynchidae. Modern platypuses are endemic to eastern mainland Australia, Tasmania, and adjacent King Island, with a small introduced population on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and are widely distributed in permanent river systems from tropical to alpine environments. Accumulating knowledge and technological advancements have provided insights into many aspects of its evolutionary history and biology but have also raised concern about significant knowledge gaps surrounding distribution, population sizes, and trends. The platypus' distribution coincides with many of Australia's major threatening processes, including highly regulated and disrupted rivers, intensive habitat destruction, and fragmentation, and they were extensively hunted for their fur until the early 20th century. Emerging evidence of local population declines and extinctions identifies that ecological thresholds have been crossed in some populations and, if threats are not addressed, the species will continue to decline. In 2016, the IUCN Red Listing for the platypus was elevated to "Near Threatened," but the platypus remains unlisted on threatened species schedules of any Australian state, apart from South Australia, or nationally. In this synthesis, we review the evolutionary history, genetics, biology, and ecology of this extraordinary mammal and highlight prevailing threats. We also outline future research directions and challenges that need to be met to help conserve the species.
RESUMEN
This paper explores the confusing terminology used in the description of a landform characterised by swampy, alluvial valley floors, generally known in Australia as 'swampy meadows'. Swampy meadows were once common in the Australian landscape. Following the impacts of European settlement, such as clearing, grazing, swamp burning and draining, functionally intact systems have become rare in the contemporary landscape. Detrimental affects on swampy meadows are now increasingly being recognised, leading to a need for their restoration and conservation. Confusion over terminology and definitions, however, has hindered our capacity to understand the complex nature of these systems, and to develop appropriate management strategies and policies to protect and restore them. In particular, a multi-disciplinary understanding of their geomorphic processes, hydrology, and ecological form and function is not catered for in any single definition or characterisation that is useful to policy makers and land managers. The paper discusses the repercussions that unclear swampy meadow nomenclature has on ecological understanding, conservation policy, restoration, and land values. It concludes with the construction of a more precise taxonomic definition of the swampy meadow.
