The Platypus is one of the cutest and most unique animals in the animal kingdom.
They kind of look between a mixture of an otter and a duck.
These cute animals are easily identifiable and un-mistakable. But, the question is - is the platypus a mammal, or a bird? The platypus might have a head that looks like a birds head, but these adorable animals are mammals.
Where Are They Found?
In the wild, the Platypus is found within Australia.
These cute animals are not found everywhere in Australia though; the Platypus is mostly found along Australia's east coast. They are also found in some parts of south Australia, such as Melbourne and Tasmania.
What Kind Of Habitats Are They Found In?
Animals in the wild usually have specific habitats that the live in within the wild. Some animals are more adaptable to live in many different types of habitats, while other animals are only found in one type of habitat.
With the Platypus, the latter is true - they are only found living within one type of habitat. The type of habitat that the Platypus is found living within is wetlands.
What Do They Eat In The Wild?
As the Platypus lives in a marine environment, much of the food that they eat is other marine animals. The other marine animals that the Platypus eats are animals like - crayfish and shrimps. They also eat other types of small animals such as worms and other insects. The Platypus is a carnivore: they only eat other animals.
What Is The Platypus Mating Season Like?
The Platypus mating season happens every year. It happens from June through to October every year, which means that their mating season is 5 months.
The female Platypus lays several eggs every mating season.
Both sexes of the Platypus - the male and females - will only come together when they are mating, otherwise they tend to avoid each other.
The females will raise the young.
How Long Do They Live In The Wild?
It is thought the the Platypus lives for between 12 and 20 years.
What Is Their Conservation Status?
They are near threatened today. Which means that these cute animals are nearly threatened with extinction today.
What Is Their Population Trend?
The Platypus population is declining today.
What Threats Do They Face?
The Platypus faces several threats in the wild. Some of the major threats that they face include dams being built on their wetlands homes and land clearing.
They also face other threats, including pollution.
Some Facts About The Platypus
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Class: Mammalia (mammals)
Order: Monotremata
Phylum: Chordata
Family: Ornithorhynchidae
Genus: Ornithorhynchus
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