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There are a few threats to the platypus's population.
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.
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 factor which affects platypus populations is flooding. Young platypuses may be washed out of their burrows when floodwaters come, and few of these survive.
Tasmanian platypuses are subject to 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.
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Is the platypus population going down?
No. Although they are sensitive creatures, the platypus population today is estimated to be about the same as it was when Europeans first settled in Australia.
Is the platypus poached?
The platypus is not poached. A century ago it was legally hunted, but protection laws have been effective in restoring the platypus population to healthy figures.
What are the affects of whaling?
Whaling affects the population of whales, and in great numbers.
Is the platypus decreasing or increasing in number?
Such a graph is not available. It is estimated that platypus numbers are similar today to what they were at the beginning of European settlement. They did decline significantly in the early part of the twentieth century due to being hunted, but laws ensuring their protection have seen the platypus population recover.
How does a tariff discourage trade?
it affects the population.
What affects the distribution of the population on the earth?
balls
What factor affects the same percentage of population regardless of the population's density?
flood
Does a platypus live in a population if so what community does it live in?
Platypuses are solitary animals, and do not live in communities.
Is any species of platypus going extinct?
There is only one species of platypus - ornithorhynchus anatinus - and it is not going extinct. Though elusive and rarely seen, platypus numbers are believed to have recovered to about e same population as they enjoyed prior to European settlement. Protective legislation has done much to ensure the platypus does not become extinct.
What is the future of the platypus?
The platypus has quite a secure future. Although vulnerable to habitat loss and changes brought about by human interference, the platypus has enjoyed a resurgence in its population since becoming a protected animal. There are estimated to be as many platypuses now as there were when European settlement started.
What affects the population?
There are a few threats to the platypus's population.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.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 factor which affects platypus populations is flooding. Young platypuses may be washed out of their burrows when floodwaters come, and few of these survive.Tasmanian platypuses are subject to 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.
How high population density affects Netherlands?
it doesnt
