What problems has the platypus faced?

Answer 1

The platypus is an unusual mammal in that it is hatched from an egg after about 8-10 days of incubation. It stays with the mother in the nesting chamber for several months before learning to hunt for food in the water. They are nocturnal creatures, which hunt for food at night. Platypuses reach reproductive age at around 2 years old.

Answer 2

The only problems a platypus faces are those caused by humans. Platypuses can defend themselves quite well against predators, easily find food, and procreate enough to carry on the species. Humans however, destroy their homes and in the process, often kill platypuses.

Answer 3

Although the platypus is not classified as endangered, it has certainly faced numerous problems, and continues to face problems.

There was a time when the platypus was under severe threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago. In the past it came closer to extinction but it now has protection by law in the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 (from hunters and fishermen), and the population has grown back to a healthy size. However, there are concerns regarding the destruction of their habitat and awareness of this problem is increasing. The use of fishing nets is still something of a problem, even though it is illegal now to use fishing nets in freshwater rivers and creeks, as the platypuses can become entangled.

The platypus is still vulnerable because of habitat loss through deforestation, dams and irrigation projects. They have disappeared from South Australia.

Tasmanian platypuses are subject to a disease caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum, which has fortunately not migrated to the mainland. Affected animals often develop skin lesions or ulcers, and the biggest threat to their survival arises from secondary infection. This can affect the platypus's ability to maintain body temperature and to hunt properly for food on the bottom of rivers and creeks.

Answer 4

Although platypuses are not endangered, they face certain risks and threats, just as most wild animals do.

The introduction of certain species such as red foxes, dogs and feral cats poses a risk to platypuses, as they are quite small and defenceless creatures. Fortunately, these preadtors are unlikely to follow platypuses into their burrows, as the entrance lies above the waterline of creeks and rivers, usually in well-hidden parts of the bank.

Humans pose no danger from hunting, but platypuses are at risk from destruction of their environment. Also, the use of fishing nets in freshwater creeks and rivers resulted in large numbers being drowned, but this practice has been banned.

Natural predators of the platypus include snakes, water rats, goannas, spotted quolls, eels, hawks, owls and eagles. In the north of its range, dingoes are another predator. Lower platypus numbers in far northern Australia are possibly due to predation by crocodiles. On occasion, large eels have been thought to take platypuses, which may be only half the length of a freshwater eel.

Another risk to the platypus is flooding. Young platypuses may be washed out of their burrows when floodwaters come, and few of these survive.

Tasmanian platypuses are at risk of the platypus fungal disease, or Mucormycosis. This fungal disease causes ugly skin lesions or ulcers to develop on various parts of the platypus's body, including their backs, tails and legs. These lesions become quite large, and are ultimately fatal. Death comes from secondary infection, and from the fact that the platypus's ability to maintain body temperature and forage efficiently for food is affected. It's not yet known how the disease spreads from platypus to platypus, but the mainland creatures are not affected.

Answer 5

Not in any significant way.