 Australian Platypus
The platypus is a native Australian mammal found mainly in Eastern Australia & is featured on the Australian 20 cent coin.
Although seemingly cute and cuddly, this iconic native Australian animal is in fact a venomous mammal capable of killing a small dog or
causing excruciating pain to humans.
Platypus are readily identified by their
streamlined body, webbed feet, broad tail and characteristic bill,
which is rubbery and contains no true teeth.
A significantly unique feature of the platypus is that it lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young and as such is one of only five existing monotremes.
What does the platypus eat?
The platypus' bill is used for feeling food such as worms, shrimps and
small crayfish found on the riverbed. Amazingly, platypus’ can consume
their own body weight in food in a 24 hour period.
Since platypus dive repeatedly for food, they are generally only sighted when they briefly return to the surface to breathe. In these instances, the top of their head, back and tail can be seen – like the tip of an iceberg, while the rest of their body remains submerged in the water.
The platypus' unusual appearance has made it a recognisable iconic symbol of Australia. It has been a mascot for numerous national events.
Image courtesy of superfluity (Creative Commons License), Flickr.
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