Platypus Report

The Platypus

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an aquatic mammal from the family of ornithorhynchidae. These unique animals are vertebrates (have a back bone) and together with the 4 species of echidna are monotremes.

The platypuses are found mainly on edges of rivers and floodwaters of eastern Australia. Most platypuses live in burrows or moist areas. There is a total of 4 plants that live around their home. Some of these plants are, the “water hemlock” (cicuta maculate), the “wild parsnip” (pastinaca sativa) and the “marsh marigold” (caltha palustris).

Platypuses have bills that are similar to duck bills just that it is a snout just covered in leathery skin with sensitive nerve endings. The body of the platypus is 30-45cm long and the flat tail can measure 10-15 cm long. Excluding the head, the rest of the body is covered in soft fur. This fur is waterproof. The webbing on its feet are rolled back when walking on land.

The platypuses swimming technique involves the front legs to kick repetitively which helps it propel through the water, its hind legs are partially webbed and its tail acts as steering. Tests show that the time for the platypus to be submerged is 1 minute. In 1983 and 1984, the platypus was seen to use an object to stay under the water for longer it was heard that this unique animal stayed under water for 5 mins. This proves that platypus can use different techniques to swim and move around.

The platypus usually feeds at night on insect larvae, shrimps and worms. It finds its food in mud or silt on the underwater surface. It uses its sensitive, flexible snout to feed its self. The food he finds is stored in his cheek pouches and the platypus eats it when it is back above the water.

Platypus males are larger than females. Mating occurs once a year starting in late June in the northern parts and in October for the southern parts. When the time is right, the male bites the female’s tail if the female agrees they will mate. The...