0
Platypuses have around a dozen natural and introduced enemies. They are not easily preyed upon in the wild, because they mainly hunt underwater and live in hidden shelters.
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.
The introduction of red foxes as a predator for rabbits may have had some impact on platypus numbers on the mainland. Feral cats are another platypus predator, but the platypus's principal enemies are humans. Humans used to hunt them for their fur, but they are now protected. The danger is now not from hunting, but 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. So, technically, man is not the platypus's predator because he does not eat it, but he is a threat to the platypus. The platypuses were and are affected by man but not eaten by him.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Does a platypus attack its enemies?
No. The platypus will avoid its enemies, hiding in its burrow or remaining motionless underwater until the danger has passed. Platypuses are able to hold their breath for up to eight minutes underwater if they are inactive.
How do a platypus protects its self from its enemies?
It hides; or it has a poisoned spike on its heel that it can attack with. Other than that, it's just a platypus - they don't do much.
How many chromosomes does a platypus have?
A platypus has 26 chromosomes.
How many eyes does the platypus have?
A platypus has two eyes.
How many feet does a platypus have?
The platypus has 2 feet.
How many genuses of platypus are there?
There is only one genus of the platypus - ornithorhynchus.
How many lungs do platypus have?
The platypus has two lungs, like all mammals do.
What is the shape of the platypus?
Like many semi-aquatic mammals, the platypus has a streamlined body. This enables the platypus to swim and dive faster.
How many different breeds of platypus are there?
There is just one species of platypus: Ornithorhynchus anatinus.
What is the shape of a platypus's body?
Like many semi-aquatic mammals, the platypus has a streamlined body. This enables the platypus to swim and dive faster.
What is a platypus called when it is 17 weeks old?
From the time a platypus is hatched, it is called a platypus. It makes no difference whether the platypus is a day old, 17 weeks old or a year old. It is still a platypus. There is no official name for a young platypus. Despite what many websites report, a young platypus is not called a puggle.
How many entrances does a platypus's burrow have?
A platypus's burrow generally has either one or two entrances.
