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 When
the first platypus specimen was sent to England for identification
its appearance was so strange that it was thought to be a hoax
animal. An animal with a muzzle like a duck’s bill, a tail like a
beaver and which laid eggs but suckled its young was deemed an
impossibility.
just the
facts
The
platypus and two species of echidna are the world’s only monotremes,
or egg laying mammals. The name ‘monotreme’ comes from the fact that
these animals have only a single opening for reproduction and
getting rid of body wastes.
The
platypus is commonly found in the rivers, streams and lakes of
eastern Australia, from the Annan River in northern Queensland to
the far south of Victoria and in Tasmania. It is found in the major
permanent river systems in the south of NSW, west of the Great
Dividing Range and occasionally in South Australia.
appearance
 The
platypus is dark brown on its back and generally light brown on the
belly. Under the long, coarse outer hair is fine, dense under fur
which is woolly in texture. This fur ranges in colour from grey to
dark brown. The platypus’ slightly flattened, streamlined body is
well adapted for swimming, as are its short, stout legs and webbed
feet. The forelegs are used for pushing the animal through the
water, while the hind legs trail behind acting as stability rudders.
When digging a burrow or moving on land the web extensions are under
the foot. The name platypus means ‘flat feet’.
The platypus has no
outer ear lobe and both its eyes and ears close when the animal
dives. The platypus has very sharp vision over long distances, but
because its eyes are towards the top of its head, it can’t see
objects directly under its nose. The duck-like bill of the platypus
is flexible, soft and is a very sensitive organ. It is used to find
its way about and to search for food. The platypus has no teeth but
uses grinding plates on the upper and lower surfaces of the jaw to
chew its food.
size
The
platypus is about half the size of a household cat and the adult
males and females can differ greatly in size and weight. The average
male is about 50cm long (head to tail) while females are about 43cm.
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