I’m a Platypus

I’m a Platypus 

You will have to travel a far distance if you wish to see me in my natural habitat.

I am native to Australia and Tasmania.

I live in rainforest waters, streams, ponds and freshwater lakes and rivers. 

I have a unique look with a long duck beak-like bill and a steam lined body.  

I have webbed feet, short limbs, small eyes and a fur covered tail. 

Platypus weigh anywhere between 1 and 7 pounds and range in size from 15 to 25 inches in length. 

Male platypus are venomous having spurs that are attached to their hind legs and are used for production of venom to disable a would be predator from threat or possible attack.

Platypus are shy animals and will avoid confrontation but if forced to the male will use their spurs to poison their attacker. 

Platypus have a mouth pouch to store their food. They do not possess teeth so they have to grind down their food in their mouths. 

Females do not produce venom. 

Females lay eggs and are representative of only a few mammal species to lay eggs while most give birth to their offspring, platypus lay eggs for which they protect them and nurse them through hatching and beyond. 

A baby platypus is called a puggle and the mother will nurse them for several months after hatching. 

Platypus are solitary creatures of the sea and forage for food on the water’s surface or in dives. 

Platypus are an endangered species and conservation efforts are ongoing in the preservation of these magnificent creatures of the seas of Australia.

The Australian government has launched many conservation projects to protect the platypus in their natural habitats and are working to ensure their protection against extinction due to climate change and global warming.

Platypus origins can be traced back as far as 110 million years ago as evidenced by fossil records dating that far back in time during the Cretaceous period. 

Platypus belong to only one species but according to fossil records there were earlier species that no longer exist and were found to live elsewhere other than Australia way back then.

Platypus are fascinating looking creatures that can be observed in captivity but great care must be provided these animals who have encountered great stress outside of their natural habitat.

The only zoo that provides living environments for the platypus outside of Australia is the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California as of 2019.

Platypus have a life span of up to 20 years in their natural habitats but are impacted by climate change and habitat destruction so it is urgently necessary that they are protected in areas designated specifically for their safety and longevity. 

Platypus are considered very intelligent animals while very protective of their young. 

Platypus are playful animals in the waters and you can see them twirling around as they dance. 

A 2023 tv movie documentary that portrays the platypus and a bond between him and man is titled The Platypus Guardian which is a testimony to how we have a relationship with these magnificent animals and how it’s important we care for them even in their natural habitat when it comes under threat. 

The platypus is also portrayed in the animated cartoon Phineas and Ferb. Perry the Platypus is a secret agent and pet of the family. 

I have a long bill and love to swim at the waters edge and I have a view of my native Australia where I live.

I’m a platypus