Platypus

## Description

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus ), sometimes referred to as the duck-billed platypus, is a semiaquatic, egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. The platypus is the sole living representative or monotypic taxon of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus ), though a number of related species appear in the fossil record.

Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes. It is one of the few mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Like other monotremes, it senses prey through electrolocation. It is one of the few species of venomous mammals, as the male platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom, capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, and the first scientists to examine a preserved platypus body (in 1799) judged it a fake, made of several animals sewn together.

The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology, and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia. It is culturally significant to several Aboriginal peoples of Australia, who also used to hunt the animal for food. It has appeared as a mascot at national events and features on the reverse of the Australian twenty-cent coin, and the platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales. Until the early 20th century, humans hunted the platypus for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. Although captive-breeding programs have had only limited success, and the platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat.

As of 2020, the platypus is a legally protected species in all states where it occurs. It is listed as an endangered species in South Australia and Victoria and has been recommended for listing in New South Wales. The species is classified as a near-threatened species by the IUCN, but a November 2020 report has recommended that it is upgraded to threatened species under the federal *EPBC Act*, due to habitat destruction and declining numbers in all states.

## Appearance

The platypus is a most unusual animal. The animal has thick fur that keeps it warm underwater. Most of its fur is dark brown, with a lighter patch near its eyes, and a lighter color on the underside. On its front feet is extra skin that serves as a paddle when it swims. The platypus walks clumsily on its knuckles in order to protect this webbed skin. Its bill is smooth, flexible, and rubbery, and feels like suede. The male features a venomous spike on its back foot which has enough poison to cause severe pain for a human.

## Distribution

Platypuses are found on the Eastern and Southeastern coasts of Australia as well as Tasmania, Flinders and King Islands. There is also a small introduced population on Kangaroo Island. Platypuses are restricted to streams and suitable freshwater bodies, including some shallow water storage lakes and ponds.

## Behavior

Platypuses are solitary, particularly males. If their territories overlap, they will feed at different times to avoid each other. They are generally nocturnal and crepuscular, but individuals are also active during the day, particularly when the sky is overcast. Platypuses are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in the water foraging for food. They spend a lot of time hunting for food, up to 10 to 12 hours, and remain in their burrows when not hunting. When not in the water, platypuses retire to a short, straight resting burrow of oval cross-section, nearly always in the riverbank not far above water level, and often hidden under a protective tangle of roots.

## Diet

Platypuses are carnivorous, feeding on annelid worms, freshwater shrimp, insect larvae, and freshwater yabby dug out with its snout from the riverbed or caught while swimming.

## Reproduction

Platypuses are polygynandrous, and males and females both have several partners. Females can first mate at the age of 2, but some don't until they are 5. The breeding season is between the Australian winter months of June and October. When females are ready to give birth, they burrow into the ground to seal themselves off in one of the rooms. She lays 1 or 2 eggs and keeps them warm between her rump and tail. The eggs hatch after about 10 days. The little bean-sized young remain nursing for 4 to 5 months. They stay in their burrow until they gain about 80 percent of their adult weight, around 6 months.

## Population

### Population threats

The largest threat to this species is the loss of habitat due to land clearance and water pollution. Predators are snakes, goannas, water rats, and foxes.

### Population number

The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the platypus total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.

### Ecological niche

The platypus, being a carnivore controls the populations of the species that it eats.

## Fun Facts for Kids

European naturalists first thought the platypus was a hoax, and that someone had sewn together a duck's bill an otter's tail and created an animal like a beaver.

The name "platypus" comes from the Greek "platys," meaning broad, and "pous," which means foot.

The platypus can growl like a puppy.

The platypus uses its snout to search for prey. Its mouth is under the snout.

The platypus uses its tail to store fat, about 50% of its body is fat.

Platypuses use their front feet to paddle and steer with their back feet and tails.