Duck-billed Platypus - Ornithorhynchus anatinus
photographed at Thylogale Nature Refuge
by David & Diane Armbrust

Of all of Australia's incredible mammal species none is more impressive than the Platypus. With the bill of a duck, the fur of a mammal, webbed feet and laying eggs like a reptile the platypus had Australia's early explorers totally confused about its identity. The first specimens sent back to Europe were thought to be an elaborate hoax and originally christened it Ornithorhynchus paradoxus.

Male Platypus have a venomous hollow spur on the inside of the hind feet which is attached to a poison gland in the thigh. They are in fact the only venomous mammal on earth.

Size: Males - Length: 44.1mm. Weight: 1018 grams
        Females - Length: 41.0mm. Weight: 704 grams

 North Queensland's population is the smallest in Australia.