

However, the name ‘platypus’ was already taken, being the name of a certain type of beetle, so their other popular nickname ‘duckbill’ took over and was the commonly accepted name for a while. Platypus themselves were named in 1799 from the Latin ‘Platypus anatinus’, meaning “flat-footed, duck-like”. Particularly considering that the name ‘puggle’ is already taken by a few different things, such as a breed of dog that’s a cross between a beagle and a pug baby spiny anteaters and a stuffed toy (and yes the name ‘puggle’ is trademarked). Given the pervasiveness of people calling them that, it wouldn’t be surprising at all for them to have the name officially applied at some point.Īlthough, another common nickname for them is ‘platypup’, so it might win out in the end. I mean, you can call something anything you want and because so many people think that’s what they are named, they are often called that, but it isn’t an official name, yet anyways. A common misconception is that they are also named ‘puggles’, but this isn’t technically correct. They are called ‘baby platypus’… Really, that’s it (officially). Platypuses appear to be extinct in the Mount Lofty and Adelaide hills ranges in South Australia and also in the River Avoca basin.Anna asks: What is a baby platypus called? Severe flooding and predation by the crocodiles have reduced their population in Northern parts of Australia. The absence of these species in the western and northern parts of South Australia reflects on the lack of reliable surface water source in this region. Platypuses no longer live in the wild in the southern parts of the Australian mainland however, some few species that swim along River Murray find their way into the state. Other than the low platypus population in South Australia, these creatures still occupy the same general distribution they did before the European settlements were built in the region. They are also found in the rivers of King Island which is isolated from Tasmania and Victoria by the Bass Strait. They are also present in approximately 80% of rivers in Victoria and 33% of Queensland’s river basins. Platypuses reside in the east-flowing river systems and about 80% of all the west-flowing river systems in New South Wales. Platypus population was introduced on Kangaroo Island in Flinders Chase National Park from 1928 to 1946. Although platypuses reside in a wide variety of habitats, they are primarily found in the freshwater rivers and lakes of the rainforest region of Queensland.

They also occupy the colder highland regions and the rainforest habitat of Tasmania. Their habitat stretches west from the tropical rainforest area of Queensland to the Australian Alps. Patti actually has four different color releases, including the first Deep Fuschia, Raspberry, Magenta, and Fuschia, the most common Patti and latest release. Even though they exist in one corner of the continent, platypuses can survive numerous climate conditions. Like Brownie the Bear, Patti the Platypus in Deep Fuchsia was one of the first Beanie Babies and was made in 1993 for the Gatlinburg Show. Instead, their milk is released out of mammary gland ducts. Female platypuses, however, don’t have nipples. Platypuses are active all year long, and during winter their waterproof fur keeps them warm while their tails store fats for energy. Although platypuses are born out of leathery eggs, the babies nurse from their mother. Some platypuses reside under debris, roots or rocks. These creatures are nocturnal animals that are quite active at night and dusk therefore they spend their day sleeping in the burrows. Although they spend most of their time in the water, these creatures swim to the riverbanks and dig tunnels with chambers. Platypuses build their homes in the freshwater regions of the southeastern and eastern Australian coasts and the island of Tasmania. Platypus feed on insect larvae, freshwater yabby, annelid worms, and freshwater shrimps. The weight of the platypus varies from 1.5 pounds to 5.3 pounds with the females being lighter than the male. The female platypuses are 17 inches long while the male can attain a maximum length of about 20 inches. A Platypus is one of the few venomous mammals on earth.

It is an egg-laying mammal with a sleek furry body, paddle-shaped tail, webbed feet, and a flat bill. The platypus is one of the few existing monotremes species.

The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal that is indigenous to the eastern parts of Australia, particularly Tasmania.
