Adaptations
A sensitive bill detects touch and electrical activity, webbed front feet provide propulsion, and dense fur traps insulation. The broad tail stores fat and assists with movement, while males carry venomous ankle spurs.
Behavior and daily life
Platypuses are generally solitary foragers and are most active from dusk through night. They sweep the bill through sediment, store prey in cheek pouches, and chew food after returning to the surface.
Conservation
Current profile labelNear Threatened
Flow changes, bank damage, drought, fire, water pollution, fishing gear, and barriers can reduce habitat quality or connectivity. Healthy riparian vegetation and functioning freshwater systems support platypus populations.
A platypus closes its eyes, ears, and nostrils underwater and detects prey partly through electrical signals sensed by its bill.
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