Platypus
The platypus is also a monotreme just like the echidna. In fact, these are the only two monotremes in the world and they are both from Australia.
The platypus is found most commonly in fresh water on the eastern side of Australia. It has the nickname of the duck-billed platypus because its bill looks like a duckbill. In fact, the scientific name (Ornithorhyncus anatinus) means 'duck-like bird-bill'. The platypus is a great swimmer thanks to its front legs and webbed feet. The webbing is just over a centimetre and a half long (1/2 an inch) but it folds in when the platypus burrows or walks on land. The hind legs are mainly used for stability otherwise they would trail behind. While the platypus swim, they stay close to the bottom of the river because they close their eyes and ears and so they have to rely on touch. They only come up for air or to eat.
The platypus feeds by pushing its bill into the mud at the bottom of the river. They eat crustacea, tadpoles, worms, aquatic insect larvae and small aquatic animals. With the food held in their cheeks they swim to the surface and eat.
In the north of Australia, breeding occurs in July to August, and for the south, in October. The female creates the nest out of leaves and plant material in the breeding burrow. Before laying one to three eggs, she blocks off the burrow in one or more places. It takes about 12 to14 days from mating to laying and then just over ten days of siting on the eggs for them to hatch. The young don’t leave the burrow or enter the water until they are seventeen weeks old. They feed off milk, just like the echidna. Also it has been very hard for breeders to breed them in captivity.
The male platypus and echidna, have a hollow spur inside the ankle connected to the thigh. The platypus’ spur contains a poison, which is not dangerous, but very painful. People who have been stung by this spur, have had swelling around the hand and wrist. This swelling can quickly spread but then decreases in a few days.
The platypus was once hunted for its fur but it is now fully protected by the law because they are so rare.
