platypuses
Platypuses are a unique Australian mammal and are categorised in a order of mammals known as monotremes since they lay eggs. The platypus also known as duck-billed platypuses, have a great adaptation to semi-aquatic lifestyles. They have streamline bodies with dense, waterproof fur, providing thermal insulation which is covered by a broad, flat tail. With the short webbed limbs at the front they are able to propel themselves through the water and their hind feet are used as rudders.
However male platypuses are venomous, on the heels of their rear feet, there are sharp stingers which can deliver strong, toxic blows. Male platypuses are larger than female platypuses. They size from 40cm to 63cm and weigh 800g to 3kg. Female platypuses are 37cm to 55cm and weigh 600g to 1.7kg.
Platypuses eat a range of aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp, molluscs and other crustaceans where they feed from both rapid and slow-moving parts of streams. Their foraging hours are 10-12 hours a day with the bill being their primary sense organ. The food which the platypus collects is stored in its cheek pouches and while resting on the water surface, it chews its food.
Platypuses are found in eastern Queensland, New South Wales, throughout Tasmania and in eastern, central and south western Victoria.
Platypuses have claws on their feet which are used for burrowing and moving around on land. They are dependent on rivers, streams and freshwater systems which have different resources. Such as logs to help the platypuses construct their burrows or earth banks with roots, overhanging vegetation and reeds. Other ways the platypus shelter themselves is through the rocky crevices and stream debris. If not foraging for food, platypuses spend their time in their burrows or creeks/ponds.
However male platypuses are venomous, on the heels of their rear feet, there are sharp stingers which can deliver strong, toxic blows. Male platypuses are larger than female platypuses. They size from 40cm to 63cm and weigh 800g to 3kg. Female platypuses are 37cm to 55cm and weigh 600g to 1.7kg.
Platypuses eat a range of aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp, molluscs and other crustaceans where they feed from both rapid and slow-moving parts of streams. Their foraging hours are 10-12 hours a day with the bill being their primary sense organ. The food which the platypus collects is stored in its cheek pouches and while resting on the water surface, it chews its food.
Platypuses are found in eastern Queensland, New South Wales, throughout Tasmania and in eastern, central and south western Victoria.
Platypuses have claws on their feet which are used for burrowing and moving around on land. They are dependent on rivers, streams and freshwater systems which have different resources. Such as logs to help the platypuses construct their burrows or earth banks with roots, overhanging vegetation and reeds. Other ways the platypus shelter themselves is through the rocky crevices and stream debris. If not foraging for food, platypuses spend their time in their burrows or creeks/ponds.
Since platypuses depend a lot on freshwater systems for their living, habitat destruction such as clearing vegetation which becomes used for urbanisation, agriculture or forestry. It is important for the platypuses to have native vegetation surrounding waterways because it allows burrow construction and reduces erosion.
Waterway pollution, erosion of stream banks and land clearing can be major problems. Even flooding can be a problem sometimes when platypuses die in severe floods. Although it can benefit them in another way because the size of the area will temporarily be expanded available for foraging for the platypus populations. Another threat to the platypuses are climate change. Australia may be getting to hot for the platypuses to live as the climate becomes warmer and drier.
Other threats to the platypus include predators such as humans, snakes, water rats and goannas as well as dogs, cats and foxes. Animals such as Murray cod and birds like hawks, eagles and owls occasionally capture the platypuses in water, being another threat to them.
Platypuses are threatened by humans when they become entangled in fishing lines, nets and litter or when they become caught in fish hooks. Platypuses' bills become damaged by glass, tin cans or any other sharp objects and due to oils and chemicals platypuses lose their qualities of waterproof fur. Another threat by humans are when the platypuses lose their food if insecticides or other chemicals kill their invertebrate prey.
Easy ways we can help prevent the destruction of the platypuses habitats are conserving water or discarding all rubbish. To minimise bank erosion and protect riparian (interface between land and a river/stream) vegetation, exclude stock from riparian zones. Control dogs around the waterways, help replant vegetation in cleared riparian zones and fish responsibly by not discarding unwanted fishing line. To protect banks, maintain natural vegetation along waterways.
Waterway pollution, erosion of stream banks and land clearing can be major problems. Even flooding can be a problem sometimes when platypuses die in severe floods. Although it can benefit them in another way because the size of the area will temporarily be expanded available for foraging for the platypus populations. Another threat to the platypuses are climate change. Australia may be getting to hot for the platypuses to live as the climate becomes warmer and drier.
Other threats to the platypus include predators such as humans, snakes, water rats and goannas as well as dogs, cats and foxes. Animals such as Murray cod and birds like hawks, eagles and owls occasionally capture the platypuses in water, being another threat to them.
Platypuses are threatened by humans when they become entangled in fishing lines, nets and litter or when they become caught in fish hooks. Platypuses' bills become damaged by glass, tin cans or any other sharp objects and due to oils and chemicals platypuses lose their qualities of waterproof fur. Another threat by humans are when the platypuses lose their food if insecticides or other chemicals kill their invertebrate prey.
Easy ways we can help prevent the destruction of the platypuses habitats are conserving water or discarding all rubbish. To minimise bank erosion and protect riparian (interface between land and a river/stream) vegetation, exclude stock from riparian zones. Control dogs around the waterways, help replant vegetation in cleared riparian zones and fish responsibly by not discarding unwanted fishing line. To protect banks, maintain natural vegetation along waterways.