Native to Australia, the Platypus, whose scientific name is Ornithorhynchus anatinus, is one of the most interesting, special and unique animals in the world. world. The appearance of this animal is characterized by being a mix between a beaver and a duck, something really fascinating considering the remarkable differences between these animals.
Another of the most striking characteristics of the platypus is its way of life, between water and land, but it is not the most distinctive. Without a doubt, the most remarkable feature of this animal is its reproduction. Would you know if the platypus is a mammal? Do platypuses lay eggs? Next, on our site, we talk about the characteristics of the platypus, its habitat, reproduction, feeding and much more. You will find all the information about the platypus here!
Characteristics of the platypus
Platypuses are really exotic and special animals, belonging to the order of monotremes, in which currently only 5 species survive, 4 of them echidnas. All of them are characterized by being mammals that lay eggs Thus, there is currently only one species of platypus.
Its scientific name is Ornithorhynchus anatinus and its peculiarities are really interesting. They are the only poisonous mammals that exist, since male platypuses have a spur that releases a poison capable of causing intense pain in people. But is the poison of the platypus deadly? For small animals yes, for humans no.
Continuing with the characteristics of the platypus, each of its body parts can resemble that of other animal species, for example, its tail resembles that of a beaver, while its beak is similar to that of a duck This unique morphology has led to the platypus being widely studied by scientists. taxonomists and biologists, as it is a vital source of information for evolutionary biology. For years, it was hunted for its thick, insulating fur, but now hunting is completely prohibited. This fur is a deep brown color on the head and body, being blond or gray on the belly.
Their legs have membranes that they use to swim, as well as their tail, which serves as a rudder. Although the capacity of their olfactory system is limited, they can smell underwater.
Is the platypus a mammal?
The platypus is a mammalian animal, however, it does not belong to the monotreme group by chance. The shared characteristic of this group is that, despite being mammals, their young hatch from eggs, being oviparous animals
When platypuses lay their eggs, they incubate them, but once the young are born, they are suckled by their mother for a certain period of time. Curious, right? Let's continue knowing more characteristics of the platypus.
Where does the platypus live? - Habitat
These animals are semiaquatic, so they live both in water and on land. Their habitats are usually small rivers and streams scattered throughout various types of ecosystems. These rivers are found scattered throughout the extensive rainforests of Queensland, but also in cold climates, such as the mountains of the Australian Alps or the mountainous, cold-climate region of Tasmania. Let us remember that the platypus is one of the animals of Australia, that is why its habitat is found only here.
Previously, populations of platypuses existed in South Australia, but these populations dwindled to the point of extinction. Only a small population survives in this area on Kangaroo Island.
In these places, platypuses dig burrows, similar to those of a beaver, which are aquatic, that is, they are under water, but nevertheless have easy access to the outside. It is in these burrows that platypus mothers have their young and where they remain after being born for a while, as we discussed in the reproduction section
What does the platypus eat? - Food
Platypuses are relentless hunters, because they have a complex electrolocation system Only monotremes have this system and it is based on locating to their prey thanks to the electrical fields that are generated when their muscles contract. The electroreceptors are located in the beak, distributed in the form of rows, and some mechanoreceptors are also located there, which are responsible for touch. Various studies have shown the strong neuronal association of both types of receptors.
The platypus is a completely carnivorous animal, so it bases its diet on the consumption of other animals, mainly crabs, insects, shrimp and various species of annelids that inhabit their respective habitats. Thus, the platypus's diet consists of these small living beings.
Platypus reproduction
The reproduction of the platypus is, despite its special appearance, what makes it more unique, since it was debated for a long time in the most important scientific circles on questions such as whether the female lays eggs or not. Currently, it is more than proven that this is the case, the platypus is an animal that is born through eggs, although once these hatch there is also a period of lactation. It is also known that females begin to be fertile from two years of age
Platypus mating
Throughout the year, there is only one mating cycle, which takes place between the months of June and October Courtship of the platypus is very complicated and arduous, especially for the males, who have to win over the females. The last part of courtship consists of a dance in the water in which the couple moves intertwined, as they move in circles, the male holding the female's tail with his beak.
Platypus incubation period and birth
Normally, each laying is made up of 1 to 3 platypus eggs, with a size between 10 and 11 millimeters. These eggs are incubated by the mothers for a period of time ranging between 10 and 15 days, after having gestated them in her womb for approximately 28 days.
When these eggs hatch after that time, some beautiful platypus babies are born that are really small in size, since these babies are about 3 centimeters long in total. These babies are very vulnerable, they lack hair and their eyes are not yet fully developed, so they are blind. In addition, are born with teeth, but they lose them shortly after birth, leaving only a few horny plates that are used to grind food.
Baby Platypus - Feeding
Babies are fed exclusively on breastmilk until they reach 3-4 months of age. A curious fact about platypuses is that, although they have breasts, female platypuses do not have nipples, so the milk emanates directly from their skin.
During the lactation period, the mother takes care of the platypus babies for practically the entire day, only going out to look for food. After about 4-5 weeks, the young gain independence, gradually emerging from the burrow where they have been until then. At 3-4 months, when breastfeeding is completely over, the little platypus has to fend for itself and look for its own food.
Platypus conservation status
According to the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the platypus is a species considered near threatened. This means that the platypus is not in danger of extinction, but it could be if its population continues to decline. In this sense, the IUCN reports that the trend of this species is precisely decreasing, a truly alarming figure considering that it is a unique animal.
The main threats to the platypus and that are leading to its population decline little by little are:
- Destruction of their habitat for the construction of houses
- Cutting down trees
- Water contamination
- Climate change
Currently, according to the IUCN, there is no established recovery plan for the species, although there is monitoring to act when necessary.
