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Post by Jan on Jul 16, 2010 1:18:53 GMT -5
I would like to tell you about the unique Australian animal the Platypus. Whilst we have seen them a few times, it is still rare and exciting every time, though they were in the creek behind our farm when I was a child, and we've seen them at other places too. Now we see them when we travel down the New England Highway, there is a small village we love to stop at to see them. I still remember the first time, on our morning walk. We stopped and leaned over a disused bridge and watched two young platypus for about 10 minutes in the creek. We could see them swim on the surface and then dive for a few seconds and reappear a short distance away. It was almost as if they were sshowing off to us. Afterwards we walked around the village and saw two hares hop into a churchyard. All in all a very satisfying walk. Platypus are found in the wild only on the East Coast of Australia and are one of only two species of mammals that lay eggs to reproduce. The first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a hoax. The animal is best described as a hodgepodge of more familiar species: the duck (bill and webbed feet), beaver (tail), and otter (body and fur). (Pic from internet as I didn't have my camera with me). Attachments:
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Post by Sharon on Jul 16, 2010 10:14:40 GMT -5
Unique animals for sure Jan. I understand that there was a time when the platypus was endangered. Then your government stepped in to stop workers from building on top of the platypus burrows. The government also stepped in to keep man from killing the animal for its fur. I am sure there are a few other laws that further protect the platypus as well.
This is a very good thing.
I heard that they eat up to one-third of their body weight each day, so need an ample supply of insect larvae, worms, shrimp and other small water creatures.
Have you heard of the Platypus Watch? Few Australians, apparently, have seen one in the wild so the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland urges the community to report sightings of these unique little Aussies in an effort to monitor them.
It is my opinion that if you are fortunate to be one of those few Australians to see them, as you have been, then you must be blessed!
Lovely story, thanks so much for sharing it Jan.
Sharon
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