Why did the platypus become extinct?

Why did the platypus become extinct?

Researchers have worried for years that declines have been greater than assumed. In January 2020, researchers from the University of New South Wales presented evidence that the platypus is at risk of extinction, due to a combination of extraction of water resources, land clearing, climate change and severe drought.

What is a cool fact about platypus?

They have waterproof fur, skin that covers their ears and eyes, and noses that seal shut to protect the animals while they are underwater. Though platypuses are made for the water, they can’t stay completely submerged. They can only stay underwater for 30 to 140 seconds. Platypus’ skeletons resemble those of reptiles.

What makes a platypus so dangerous?

Male platypuses have venomous spurs. Platypuses are one of just a few venomous mammals, which is one of their more reptilian characteristics. But unlike snakes, a platypus’s venom isn’t in his teeth. Instead, males have a hollow spur on each hind leg from which venom is dispensed-but only sometimes.

Are there still platypuses alive?

The duck-billed platypus is the most evolutionary distinct mammal alive today and a member of the most primitive order of mammals on Earth, Monotremata. They are the only surviving member of the family Ornithorhynchidae , which dates back to the Cretaceous period 146 to 165 million years ago;

Do platypuses have natural predators or preys?

Platypuses have a lifespan of over 10 years in the wild, but they do face a few threats. They have several natural predators, such as snakes, foxes, and birds of prey. Platypuses are also susceptible to habitat destruction, but that is at a minimum. They are protected from being hunted.

Do platypuses eat other animals?

All monotremes are carnivorous animals, but they hunt different types of prey. Both echidnas and platypuses eat other animals . They don’t eat any vegetation, except for small bits of plant matter that they accidentally swallow while catching prey.