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Ornithorynchus Anatinus, loosely interpreted as the "creature with a duck bill" only begins to describe the platypus. It also has a beaver like tail,a furry coat and webbed feet. On first inspection of such an animal, nineteenth century British scientists suspected they were victims of a practical joke from their colonial counterparts.

Far from being a joke, the platypus is a member of the unique monotreme family. The only other members of the family are two species of echidna, of which one is found in New Guinea and the other in Australia. The former is evidence of the existence

of ancestors during a time millions of years ago when Australia was joined to the super continent Gondwana. it provides startling insight into the origins of this mysterious mammal family, Several earlier members of the family have since become extinct.

The monotreme is so named because it has only one orifice through which all bodily matter passes. Additionally, it is used to lay eggs. The female platypus , unlike the echidna does not have a pouch, but they do share a commonality of suckling their young.

The male platypus will grow to an average twenty inches , while the female will generally peak two inches shorter. During pre-mating fights the male will deploy a venomous spur located on his hind ankles to assert his authority. While not strong enough to kill a healthy human being, the painful sting is capable of inducing hypoxia, hyperventilation and convulsions and can deliver a fatal blow to dogs.

Platypuses live in burrows just above the water level of eastern Australian freshwater streams and lakes. They cannot breathe under water and remain submerged for up to five minutes. They are fortunate enough not to be listed at this time as endangered species.In fact the replacement and rejuvenation of Australian indigenous flora has seen a recent return of platypuses to areas they hadn't been sighted in for years.

Wildlife tours have always been a popular aspect of tourism in Australia. Experienced guides can provide the best encounters with our fauna off the beaten track. Otherwise, wander into a sanctuary to observe the platypus at his playful best darting in and out of the rocky obstacle course in his aquarium. Despite the weighty fur coat and limited air supply, his energy and agility under water is nothing short of remarkable.

I leave you to ponder this strange collection of body parts which make up the only venomous furry mammal in the world and maybe next time you are asked "what came first the chicken or the egg?" you could say "Ask the Platypus!"

Learn more about this author, Leonard J Sherrott.
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