Platypus
One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.
Read more about Platypus
The amphibious platypus has a duck-like bill, webbed feet and a broad, flattened tail. Early English scientists were completely baffled by the appearance of the platypus, with many believing it to be a hoax species.
The platypus breeds in spring, laying between 1 and 3 eggs which are incubated for around 10 days.
Shy by nature and mainly nocturnal, you’re most likely to catch a glimpse of a platypus in the early morning or late evening as they dive for food, using their sensitive bill to detect larvae and insects.
Animal facts
- Common name
- Platypus
- Scientific name
- Ornithorhynchus anatinus
- Conservation status in NSW
- Protected
Parks in which this animal is found
- Brisbane Water National Park
- Budderoo National Park
- Guula Ngurra National Park
- High Plains area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
- Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Lower Snowy River area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Monga National Park
- Murray Valley Regional Park
- Selwyn area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Tumut area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Yarrangobilly area in Kosciuszko National Park