The IUCN recently upgraded the conservation status of the platypus to near threatened!
Australia's iconic platypus is a truly unique animal, captivating the imagination of people the world over. This amazing little creature is actually an egg laying mammal, or a monotreme. There are only 2 monotremes found anywhere on earth, the platypus and its 'cousin' the echidna, both are found at Fernglade. The platypus is often described as a living fossil as it’s features can provide insight into the evolutionary history of mammals - a warm blooded, aquatic, egg laying mammal which still retains some reptile characteristics. The platypus is distinct and easily identified. It has soft, dense dark brown fur covering its whole body apart from its duck-like bill, webbed feet and paddle shaped tail.
How to Find a Platypus
Finding a platypus, as with any form of wildlife viewing, requires patience, some skills and a certain amount of luck! Platypus are renowned for being elusive after all! Follow these tips and you'll have a good chance of spotting a platypus at Fernglade.
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Feeding
The platypus lacks ear flaps and instead has its ears and eyes inside a muscular groove at the side of the head which closes shut when the animal dives. As the platypus swims with its eyes closed, it has to use other methods to navigate in the water and find its food. The Platypus’ bill is extremely sensitive to touch. By detecting changes in the movement of water around it, the platypus can detect movement of a freshwater shrimp from 20cm away. Its bill is also sensitive to electrical signals created when prey contact their muscles. Platypus mainly feed on worms, insects, molluscs and small invertebrates.
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Reproduction
A platypus lays 1-3 eggs at a time which the female incubates in a burrow extending normally around 3-6 metres but anywhere up to 20m into the river bank. The female keeps the eggs warm and protected by clasping them between her curled up tail and stomach while lying on her back or side. After 10 days, babies measuring only 9mm hatch from the eggs. They continue to live in the burrow for 3-4 months, feeding on milk from their mother.
Venom and Spurs
A male platypus possesses a venomous spur on their inner hind ankle and so should never be handled without training or guidance. It is believed these spurs assist males in competing for females during breeding season. The venom is not life-threatening to humans but can be very painful and cause localised swelling.
References:
Watts, D. (2008) "Tasmanian Mammals - A Field Guide", Pelican Press, Tasmania.
Australian Platypus Conservancy (n.d.) "Platypus Fact File", http://www.platypus.asn.au.
Watts, D. (2008) "Tasmanian Mammals - A Field Guide", Pelican Press, Tasmania.
Australian Platypus Conservancy (n.d.) "Platypus Fact File", http://www.platypus.asn.au.