PLATYPUS
The platypus is one of the most fascinating and unique creatures in the animal kingdom! Native to Eastern parts of Australia (including Tasmania), the platypus is one of 2 remaining animals that make up the monotreme family. (The other animal is the echidna).
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The platypus is an icon for Australia's diverse wildlife.
The more you learn about this creature, the more you'll fall in love and want to learn more!
Monotremes
Monotremes are a unique family of animals that only include the platypus and echidna. (All other montremes have become extinct world-wide).
Platypus are egg-laying mammals. They do not give birth to live young. The female platypus lays 1 - 3 leathery eggs of which are then incubated in a nest or burrow, where they hatch after 10 days. Young platypuses are known as 'puggles'. Puggles are born very small, hairless and blind. The mother keeps them warm and safe in the burrow and feeds them until they are ready to venture into the wild on their own.
Despite laying eggs, monotremes still produce milk to feed their young. Milk is secreted through skin pores, known as mammary glands (they are not nipples). The platypus does not have a pouch like the echidna or marcupials (kangaroos, koalas etc.)
apprearance
On average, an adult platypus is 35 - 50cm (15 - 20 inches) so are relatively small creatures.
Platypuses have a bill like a duck. Their bill is soft and rubbery with a sensitive electro-receptive system that helps them detect prey underwater. They also use their bill to scoop up food from the muddy bottoms of rivers and streams.
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The platypus has a broad, flat tail like a beaver. Their tail acts as a rudder when swimming (to steer). Their body is sleek and streamline, similar to an otter. They are covered in dense, waterproof fur that helps to keep them warm when swimming in cold water.
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Platypus feet are webbed to aid in swimming. Their front feet have broad, fat claws that are used for digging burrows.
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Adult male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs. These spurs are used as a defence mechanism, capable of delivering a painful sting to potential predators or rivals during mating season.
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The overall appearence of the platypus is an interesting blend of characteristics from different animal groups, making it one of the most iconic and unusual creatures in the world!
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Biological Purpose
Platypuses are skilled burrowers that provide shelters for themselves (and their young) but also provides homes to a variety of other animals including frogs, insects and small fish. The burrows also help to stabilise the soil along riverbanks and contribute to the overall health of their ecosystem.
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Platypus are specialised predators of aquatic invertebrates including insects, worms, crustaceans and small mollusks. By preying on these animals, platypus help to control insect populations and prevent overgrazing of vegetation by insects. This predation also plays a role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
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The presence of playtpuses can serve as an indicator to the health of freshwater ecosystems. Although, platypus can be very illusive and difficult to spot in the wild! They can hold their breath for up to 120 seconds! In some cases, they've been recorded to hold their breath for over 2 minutes. This helps the playtpus to efficiently search for food to capture their underwater prey.
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