Platypus

Viewing Season: young hatch in October, November and December.

The platypus, with its duck bill and webbed feet, is a unique Australian animal. It and the echidna are the only monotremes (egg-laying mammals) on earth. The monotremes have a lower body temperature than other mammals and legs that extend out, then vertically below them. These features, together with their egg-laying, are more like those of a lizard than a mammal.

Platypuses are readily identified by their streamlined body, webbed feet, broad tail and characteristic muzzle or bill, which is soft and pliable. An adult platypus is from 45 to 60 centimetres (17.7 to 23.6 inches) in length and may weigh up to 2.7 kilograms (six pounds), with females generally smaller than males. They have two layers of fur: a dense waterproof outercoat and a grey woolly underfur to provide much-needed insulation. They have a smooth swimming action together with a low body profile and no visible ears, making them easily recognisable in the water.

The male has a spur on the inner side of each hind limb, which is connected by a hollow groove to a poison gland. The poison is capable of inflicting a very painful injury to humans.

Surprisingly, platypuses are capable of many vocalisations, including a soft growling sound when disturbed.

The platypus is widespread in eastern Australia, ranging from tropical lowlands to sub-alpine areas. In Tasmania, the platypus is common in the lakes of the Central Highlands (even in lakes over 914 metres / 2998 feet above sea level), and in rivers and streams of the south, south-west and north-west coasts. Platypuses live in burrows that they dig -n the banks of fresh-water rivers, lakes or streams.

Platypuses are solitary animals that only come together to mate. However, several individuals may be found living in close proximity. They are shy and wary, usually venturing out only in the early morning and evening.

Breeding occurs during spring but is generally earlier in the north of Australia than in the south. Mating takes place in the water. Twelve to 14 days later, between one and three eggs are laid in a nesting burrow constructed by the female.

When foraging on the bottom of streams and lakes, platypus swim with their eyes, ears and nostrils closed, using their electro-sensitive bill to locate and probe for food. This finely tuned electro-perception and sense of touch allows platypuses to find and capture a range of prey including worms, insects, crustaceans, molluscs and small vertebrates such as tadpoles.

The platypus is wholly protected throughout Australia.

• Where to find them.