This blurred shot is a platypus that David found whilst fishing.
What is a Platypus? A.
"The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia and Tasmania. Together with the short-beaked and long-beaked echidna, it is one of the three species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Like placental mammals and marsupials, the young are suckled by the mother. It is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record."
"Platypuses live in burrows they dig in riverbanks, and hunt for their food in water. Their bills are equipped with very sensitive electro-receptors, with which they can sense the movements of tiny crustaceans and larvae on the bottom of rivers and creeks."
"Whilst some may say it has a unique appearance similar to that of a beaver with a duck's head, it really does not look like that at all. It is covered in fur, and its head is flat and streamlined for swimming under the water's surface. Its bill is different in shape to that of a duck, so even the term "duck-billed platypus" is a misnomer. It has webbed feet, claws and a flat tail, and lives in burrows in riverbanks."
"The bizarre appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed mammal baffled naturalists when it was first discovered, with some considering it an elaborate fraud. It is one of the few venomous mammals; the male Platypus has a spur on the hind foot which delivers a poison capable of killing a small dog or causing severe pain to humans. The unique features of the Platypus make it an important subject in the study of biology."
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_platypus#ixzz1A6k0UYcG
It was with much excitement that David caught it and released it a little away from all the fishing equipment.
Here is the little fella exploring Davids fishing equipment
I have to say that its a privilege to live in and area surrounded by such things. Many boys grow up living their life behind a computer or X- box without experiencing the beauty of the real world, and as the world changes I fear that such oppertunities will decrese
hes cuuute. i was thinking that he reminded me of a beaver except for the egg laying part. nice opportunity for me to see one up close
ReplyDelete~laura
Yes he is Laura. Very cute indeed. Dave said its fure was soft like a cats.
ReplyDeleteWonderful opportunity! It seems quite fearless, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteyes it does but I think thats because they are quite blind and are guided by the sensors in the bill. It probably sensed the fishing bate, and the smell of fish the boys caught I guess.
ReplyDeleteI phoned the National Parks- they did inform m e they released one recently in that specific area, So that could be it.
He IS beautiful, and a truly amazing creature - I am awed he simply wandered up alongside people like that. What a great childhood your son is laying down, Simon!
ReplyDeleteVery cute. A baby platypus (platypii?) photo is hugely popular on an image site I use. It's being passed around like mad. It's fun to see one in the wild. You guys really do have the coolest fauna.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Susan
Shrinky! thanks heaps for your comment :o)
ReplyDeleteSusan- Lol I read that as " you guys are the coolest!"