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The platypus is considered to be one of the world's
most unusual animals. It is often described as a living fossil - a furry,
warm-blooded, egg-laying mammal which retains some features of reptiles. (Australian
Platypus Conservancy)
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These are an egg laying mammal (monotreme) which are unmistakable out of
water.
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When swimming they are distinguished from other Australian mammals by the absence
of visible ears.
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Most frequently seen at mid-distance in poor light. Dawn or Dusk.
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Have webbed forefeet which aid in swimming and although the hind feet are also
webbed, these are folded back against the tail, except when used for steering and as
brakes.
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The platypus is quite motile on land, but due to the webbing of the forefoot
which extends beyond the toes, it carries itself on its knuckles
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The fur is fine and dense with about eight hundred hairs per square millimetre.
There are two layers, a woolly undercoat and a long guard fur on top of that. Together,
these two layers trap air, therefore keeping the monotreme dry even after long periods of
being under water.
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The fur on the tail is coarser, bristly, and often a darker brown than the body
fur. The burrowing action makes the tail fur more ragged and worn.
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The flat tail is used as a stabiliser during swimming as well as enabling quick
diving. many platypus have a fine layer of hair under the tail. This can be quite thick in the
case of juveniles or in the period after adults have completed their moult.
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The size of the platypus varies with location.
