Male platypuses defend stretches of river or stream during breeding season. Territories contain prime hunting grounds and burrows. Territorial behavior reduces conflicts over food and mating opportunities. Scent marking and spur displays communicate dominance. Territorial boundaries shift seasonally depending on water levels and food availability. Females maintain separate ranges, overlapping minimally with males. This behavior ensures resource allocation and reproductive success.
Territoriality reduces competition and increases mating success.
Understanding territory patterns helps manage habitats and protect populations.
Territorial disputes may involve physical confrontations using spurs.
Australian Museum (australian.museum)