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submitted 2 months ago by ickplant@lemmy.world to c/aww@lemmy.world

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.

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[-] Moah 12 points 2 months ago

How do I give you rewards?

[-] Lyra_Lycan 8 points 2 months ago

No rewards, currency generated too much toxicity on Reddit so the Federation is sticking to votes.

[-] ickplant@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago

I have no idea, but I really appreciate the sentiment!

[-] motor_spirit@lemmy.world 11 points 2 months ago

they look modeled after water bears, lil water beans

[-] ThulsaDoom@lemmy.world 8 points 2 months ago

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.

[-] CH3DD4R_G0BL1N@sh.itjust.works 5 points 2 months ago

Bruh what kind of Lima beans you have in your neck of the woods? Or how incredibly small is the person handling them?

Actual question: are they like other venomous babies being their most dangerous as bbs not knowing how to control the flow?

[-] ickplant@lemmy.world 5 points 2 months ago

I believe only male adults are venomous.

this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2025
297 points (100.0% liked)

aww

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