Tasmania, Australia’s island state, provides a rare opportunity to encounter unique and endemic wildlife. Where can I see the Platypus with an expert guide? 5 Day Tasmanian Wildlife and Wilderness Encounter The best chance of seeing a Platypus is at dawn or dusk, and with an expert guide. There are a couple of organisations in Australia who are doing some great work to support these fascinating creatures, including: The Platypus has been considered common across most of its range, however recent studies indicate that there is a growing list of declines and localised extinctions. Platypuses have also been observed feeding opportunistically on small fish, tadpoles, snails and worms. On the water surface, they will feed on insects (such as dragonflies and mosquitos) and water beetles. The Platypuses bill, which is full of electroreceptors, assist it in finding molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates in murky water. After 10 days of incubation, the eggs will hatch and the mother will begin to feed them with milk through her mammary gland, which essentially secretes milk through the skin.Īfter three to four months in the burrow, the young will emerge. In general, breeding begins in late winter/early spring (August-September), however in northern Australia (see Cairns), breeding begins in winter (June-August), and in Tasmania, breeding begins later (November-January).Īfter a gestation period of just 21 days, the female will lay between one and three eggs (most common is two) and then incubate them in a nest in her burrow. Platypus reproduction, gestation and birth Males are approximately 25% larger, and have a poisonous spur their hind legs, which are thought to be used as a defensive tool to fend off competing males. Covered in brown fur and featuring a bill, a big flat tail and webbed feet, the Platypus resembles something between a duck and an otter! There is no doubt - the Platypus is a strange looking creature. What are the physical features of the Platypus?
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