PLATYPUS

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal of the monotreme order, native to eastern Australia and Tasmania. It inhabits rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands and typically nests in burrows dug into riverbanks.

Physically, the platypus has a broad, duck-like bill with electroreceptors and mechanoreceptors, dense waterproof fur, and webbed limbs; a flat tail stores fat. Adults measure about 40–60 cm and weigh 1–2.5 kg. They lack true teeth; they grind food with horny plates and feed by filtering prey. While foraging, their eyes, ears, and nostrils are closed underwater, and they rely on electroreception to detect prey.

Reproduction: Platypuses are monotremes that lay eggs. The female lays 1–3 eggs in a burrow, incubates about 10 days, and hatches altricial young. Milk is secreted from mammary glands but nipples are absent; the young lap milk from the mother’s fur. The young remain with the mother for several months.

Ecology and behavior: They are mostly solitary, crepuscular or nocturnal, and proficient divers. They hunt aquatic invertebrates and small crustaceans, using the bill to sense prey. The tail stores fat and helps with balance and propulsion in the water.

Venom and conservation: Males have a spur on the hind leg that delivers venom during the breeding season; the venom can cause severe pain in humans but is not usually lethal. The IUCN lists the platypus as Near Threatened due to habitat loss, water pollution, and climate change; it is protected in Australia and targeted by regional conservation programs.