These spurs are connected to a venom gland in each thigh. The male platypus has a sharp spur on each ankle. If the water is cold, platypus can increase their body's heat-production to keep their temperature at around 32 degrees.Īwkward on the ground, the platypus waddles with the webs of its front feet turned back so it can use its claws for digging. Fat is stored in the tail for when food is scarce or when the female returns to her burrow to breed. The tail acts as a stabiliser when the platypus swims, and is also used for burrowing. It has a broad, flat tail with short, stout legs and webbed front feet well suited to its life in the water. The platypus's body is covered in thick, dark brown fur and is flat and streamlined. Very sensitive, the bill is like soft, wet rubber and is used to find food. The first thing most people notice about the platypus is its bill. The platypus is smaller than most people think, males are about 50cm long and weigh about 1.5kg and females are smaller, usually about 40cm long and weighing 1kg. Monotremes are different from other mammals because they have no teats and lay eggs like birds even though they raise their young like mammals. The other two species are Australia's short-beaked echidna and Papua New Guinea's long-beaked echidna. The platypus is one of only three monotremes. Scientific name: Ornithorhynchus anatinusĬonservation status: This species is listed as Special Least Concern in Queensland (Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006).Ī duck-like bill and shy nature has made the platypus one of Australia's most intriguing animals.
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