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Mammals

Although mamals are the smallest group of wetland-dependent vertebrates, mammals contain what is probably the most iconic of species—the platypus. Breeding and resting by day in riverbank burrows, the platypus relies on freshwater streams and lakes for its food (aquatic invertebrates), which it collects at twilight and during the night. Swamp rats, water-rats and water mice have similar temporal patterns of habitat use, but unlike the platypus they forage in the vegetation in various fresh and estuarine wetlands.

Mammal wetland indicator species and profiles

Dugong and calf, Photo by DESI

Quick facts

Water-rat
(Hydromys chrysogaster) was formerly trapped for its fur, but the is now a protected animal in Australia and populations appear to have recovered from the effects of hunting[1].

To find out more about species in your area see WetlandSummary.

For specific information on wetland species sightings please go to WetlandMaps or Wildlife Online.

Additional information

References

  1. ^ CSIRO, (30 June 2004). Water for a Healthy Country: Hydromys chrysogaster. [online] Available at: http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/WfHC/Hydromys-chrysogaster/index.html [Accessed 12 July 2012].

Last updated: 22 March 2013

This page should be cited as:

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2013) Mammals, WetlandInfo website, accessed 18 March 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/components/biota/fauna/fauna-taxon/mammals/

Queensland Government
WetlandInfo   —   Department of Environment, Science and Innovation