Quantitative Aquatic Ecosystem Laboratory

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Electroreception is a unique foraging strategy, in which animals can detect small electrical impulses generated by prey. Platypuses use this strategy to detect prey and submerged obstacles, as they close their ears and eyes while foraging underwater. 

Electromagnetic fields are naturally occurring however they are also emitted from anthropogenic sources, including water quality and flow devices and structures such as transmission lines and underground electrical cables. Consequently, both wild and captive platypus populations may be exposed to EMF which could interfere with natural foraging and navigation behaviours.  

Therefore, this project aims to investigate the potential effects of EMF on captive and wild platypus and help mitigate any adverse impacts EMF may cause platypuses in enclosures and their natural environment.  

Interested?
Contact : emily.armstrong@deakin.edu.au

Contact by : 26th May 2023