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Platypus occupy a wide variety of permanent streams, rivers
and lakes and may also use temporary or manmade water bodies, particularly when
these are linked directly to streams or rivers.
Geographical variation
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Although the fossil record shows the occurrence of several
different platypus-like species, today Ornithorhynchus
anatinus is the only known platypus.
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Platypus do vary somewhat from place to place - for example,
animals from Tasmania are somewhat bigger on average than their counterparts
from Queensland. However, no sub-species or distinctive local races are
currently recognised by scientists.
Status
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The platypus is officially classified as "Common but
Vulnerable" in Australia.
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As a species, it is not currently considered to
be endangered.
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However, platypus populations are believed to have declined
or disappeared in many catchments, particularly in urban and agricultural
landscapes.
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In most cases, the specific underlying reasons for the reduction in
numbers remain unknown.
Number of platypus
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Platypus surveys have only been carried out in a few
catchments in eastern Australia.
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It is therefore impossible to provide an
accurate estimate of the total number of platypus remaining in the wild.
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Based on recent studies, the average platypus population
density along relatively good quality streams in the foothills of Victoria's
Great Dividing Range is only around one to two animals per kilometre of channel.
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Because platypus are predators near the top of the food chain and require large
amounts of food to survive (up to about 30% of a given animal's body weight each
day), it is believed that their numbers are most often limited by the
availability of food, mainly in the form of bottom-dwelling aquatic
invertebrates.
Legal protection
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Until the early twentieth century, platypus were widely
killed for their fur.
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The species is now protected by law throughout Australia.
Platypus in captivity
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Platypus are wild animals with specialised living
requirements.
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It is illegal for members of the public to keep them in captivity.
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A platypus which has been accidentally captured along a stream or found
wandering in an unusual place should never be taken home and treated as a pet,
even for a brief time.
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The animal will not survive the experience.
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Only a small number of Australian zoos and universities hold
permits to maintain platypus in captivity for legitimate display or research
purposes.
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Current Australian government policy does not allow this species to be
taken overseas for any reason.
