Platypus

Platypus are monotremes. They are one of two unique egg laying mammals found in Australia, the Echidna is the other.
Platypus are one of our most extraordinary animals.
They are semi-aquatic mammal that lays eggs. Male Platypuses (or platypodes) can grow up 60cm long and weigh up to 3kgs. Females weigh up to 1.7kg.
IN prehistoric times Platypus grew to be 1mt long.  They are only found in Eastern and South Eastern Australia in fresh water creeks and rivers.
Platypus have webbed feet so they are expert swimmer who can propel themselves using their feet and tail to propel themselves through the water.
they have brown waterproof fur that is soft and a rubbery “duck bill” to dig their food on the river bed.
Platypus lay their eggs in burrows away from the river and they walk on their knuckles to protect the webbing on their feet.  They are active at dawn and dusk when they search for their food with. They search for insect larvae, freshwater shrimps, and crayfish with sensitive electroreceptors on their bills.
The Platypus is one of very few venomous mammals in the world. The spur on the male’s hind foot is connected to a venom-secreting gland. The venom is not dangerous for humans.

Threats
Habitat destruction and waterway pollution threaten all platypus because they depend on healthy freshwater systems
Large Scale farming that extracts vast amounts of water from rivers and, dams and diverts water flow has a big impact on the water quality for Platypus.
Water quality and in-stream habitat (such as submerged logs) are critical so degradation of these elements is a threat.
Run-off from pasture that includes pesticides, also degrades Platypus habitat.

Size:

Tiny Toy 21cm

Small Puppet 32cm

Large Puppet 46cm