Platy-facts

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) – or duck-billed platypus - is:

• a unique, venomous, semi-aquatic mammal that lays eggs and uses its super sensory bill – like an electric sixth sense - to hunt prey in murky water
• one of very few venomous mammals in the world. The spur on the male’s hind foot is connected to a venom-secreting gland and is likely used in aggressive encounters between rival males
• not considered endangered but the International Union for Conservation of Nature has upgraded their status to 'Near Threatened'
• protected by legislation in all of Australia's eastern states
• threatened with local extinction in areas where they once thrived due to bush fires, drought, deforestation, predation, and pollution of waterways
• the animal emblem of NSW and well-known animal symbol of Australia
• famous as the mascot for the Sydney 2000 Olympics
• along with the echidna, the only mammals that lay eggs - they also feature on our 5 cent and 20 cent coins
• The name Platypus comes from the Greek word for ‘flat-footed’ – they're very awkward on land, walking on their knuckles to protect the webbing of their feet
• Baby platypuses are called “platypubs” (and baby echidnas are called “puggles”).