so here are some interesting facts about Platypussies (taken from iloveindia.com - A platypus swims with its eyes, ears and nostrils shut. It propels forward with the help of its forefeet. The hind feet are used for the purpose of brakes and steering.
- When a platypus is on land, it turns back the webs on its front feet, in order to reveal broad nails that help it in walking.
- A platypus feeds on flies, small shrimps, worms, insect larvae and small aquatic creatures.
- Platypuses locate their prey with the help of electric signals from their bodies, with sensors on their bill.
- Platypuses mate in the water. However, the female lays the eggs on land, in a breeding burrow up to 20m long.
- The female platypus lays 1 to 3 eggs, which she incubates between her abdomen and tail.
- Since the female platypus does not have nipples, its young ones suck milk from patches on the abdomen.
- A platypus must consume at least one quarter of its body weight each day. This is why; it spends around 12 hrs every day looking for food.
- Platypuses have been classified as "near threatened" by IUCN and are named on its Red List. The main reason for this is their susceptibility to water pollution.
- Platypus is one of the few venomous mammals. The male platypus can delivers a poison, causing severe pain to humans, through a spur on its hind foot.
- Platypuses live near freshwater rivers or lakes and create burrows for shelter and protection.
- A platypus has a flat furry tail that stores fats for the winter season. The tail is also used as a rudder for steering.
