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A very interesting and unique animal that finds its home in Australia is a mammal called the Duckbill Platypus. To find out some awesome facts on this Platypus, read on!   To jump to a section, use the Quick Jump below by clicking on a heading.

-This platypus lives near water.

-It mostly lives by rivers in Eastern Australia and Tasmania.

-It makes its nest in tunnels that it digs up to 50 feet long in the side of riverbanks, or in deep crevices and little caves in rocky banks.

-The Duckbill Platypus is only territorial during the breeding season.

-The platypus uses its feet for swimming for burrowing.

-The platypus curls its feet under its body to protect them when walking on land.

Food and Feeding

-The Duckbill Platypus hunts in the water for larvae, water snails, and small crustaceans.

-Underwater the platypus closes his eyes, ears, and nostrils.

-It sweeps its head from side to side to locate prey.

-They have highly sensitive bills.

-They use feet only when swimming.

-Their dives last anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute 30 seconds.

-Sometimes it remains underwater by wedging itself under a log or stone.

-It fills its pouches in its cheeks full of food.

-When the pouches are full, it surfaces, separates the food from the sand, and then grinds it between the plates it has instead of teeth.

Cool Facts

-The Duckbill Platypus is one out of three mammals to lay eggs.

-This animal has a low body temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Special Adaptations:

    -They have thick fur that provides water resistance.

    -Their hind feet are less powerful than their forefeet, and they are used for steering.

Links for More Information
    -Environment Australia