The platypus is one of the most unusual animals in the world, often described as a living puzzle of nature. Native to Australia, it has the bill and webbed feet of a duck, the tail of a beaver, and the body of an otter, making it a truly unique mammal. Unlike most mammals, the platypus lays eggs, and the males possess venomous spurs on their hind legs, a rare trait among mammals. Excellent swimmers, they spend much of their time in rivers and streams, using their sensitive bills to detect prey like insects, larvae, and small crustaceans. With its mix of features and behaviors, the platypus challenges traditional ideas of classification and continues to fascinate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus. Image: c_a_critter © CC BY-NC-SA 4.0