A creature that would look like a mix between a duck and a beaver, may have come out from the imagination of a child, and yet this species is real and authentic. What kind of creature is it🤔? It is the surprising #platypus (𝘖𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘩𝘺𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘴 (Shaw, 1799)) that can only be found on the east coast of Australia (and at the HKBM).
Although platypuses have duck-like bills, they are absolutely not birds. In fact, they are #mammals just like us. Well, almost just like us, as they are not so alike to other mammals, because they actually lay #eggs🥚. Along with four species of echidnas, platypus is one of the five extant species of mammals that are known to lay eggs. Baby platypuses, after hatching🐣, are nurtured by their lactating mother for 3-4 months before becoming independent.
Besides, male platypuses also possess a rare weapon among mammals, #venom🧪. Male adults have a spur connected to venom glands on each rear ankle. It can deliver an extremely painful strike to the enemy😣. Yet, the actual function of this weapon remains controversial. Some scientists suggested that it might be used to fight other males for gaining access to females, while others have suggested it is used for defence against predators.
Their duckbill is also an astonishing organ, and is much more than a simple accessory, as platypuses rely heavily on it to sense their environment. The duckbill is full of #electroreceptors that can sense weak electrical signals from their prey hiding on the river bed. This ability helps them to forage effectively.
So, the next time you visit the HKBM, have a good look at this strange animal and all the interesting features that he possesses.
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