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Platypus

Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Description:

The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, venomous, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals, the male platypus having a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia.

Habitat:

Semi aquatic. Inhabiting small creeks and streams. It's distribution is not well known.

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Simon Giuliano
Spotted by
Simon Giuliano

2787, New South Wales, Australia

Spotted on Sep 1, 2012
Submitted on Sep 21, 2012

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