Platypus

Platypus is mostly prevalent to Eastern Australia in Tasmania. It is a semi-aquatic mammal. It is one of the five species of monotremes. They are known as the only mammals that lay eggs rather than giving birth to the juvenile. In short, it is the sole representative of the family and genus, though quite a number of pertinent species have been located in the fossil record. With its egg-laying, duck-billed, Beaver-tailed, otter-footed form, it comes across as having an odd appearance to the on-lookers. But, this strange appearance caught the eye of European Naturalists when they first stumbled upon it.Dense brown fur is surrounded on the body and the broad, flat tail of Platypus. Its tail is made use for storing reserves of fat. Similar adaptation is found in animals like the Tasmanian devil and fat tailed sheep. Also, webbed feet and large runnery snout also make the features of this animal. From 700g to 2.4 kg, the weight always varies in the case of this animal. Males are larger than females with the length being an average of 50cm for males and 43 cm for females.

The platypus is endemic to small streams and rivers from the cold highlands of Tasmania and the Australian Alps to the tropical rainforests of coastal Queensland as far north as the base of Cape York Peninsula. So, it is semi-aquatic. The proper locations of its whereabouts are not yet well-known. However, it is known that it has become extinct in South Australia.

No longer is it found in the main part of the Murray-Darling Basin. It may be due to the diminishing quality of water caused by the extensive land clearing and irrigation schemes. The circulation of places by this animal remains capricious and mysterious as it disappears from some expected healthy rivers, but makes its presence appear in some other degraded and unexpected rivers. Besides, it is a first-class swimmer. It loves to spend its time in the water foraging for food.Baby Platypi are called 'Puggles'.

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