The baby platypus is a fascinating and unique creature. Unlike most mammals, platypuses lay eggs. After hatching, the tiny, fragile babies rely on their mother's milk for nourishment.
These little ones are about the size of a lima bean and weigh around 1 gram at birth. They stay in the burrow, close to their mother, until they are old enough to venture out and learn to swim and find food.
Interestingly, platypuses do not have a stomach; their food passes directly from the esophagus to the intestines. While adult male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs, baby platypuses do not.
There is only one species of platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, and they are native to Australia. Although not currently endangered, platypuses face threats such as habitat loss and pollution.
Conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival and protect these remarkable animals for future generations.
I saw some in the wild on Tasmania. The most surprising thing to me was the full grown ones from bill to tail were about the size of a squirrel. I had always pictured in my mind they were beaver size.