The platypus, a unique and strange creature known for its duck-billed, beaver-tailed, and otter-footed appearance, is struggling to survive in Australia. With the population believed to be only 50% of what it once was, efforts are being made to help the animal breed in captivity. A new breeding center has been established at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in collaboration with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This initiative was prompted by the vulnerability of platypuses to environmental disasters like bushfires and drought, exacerbated by climate change.
The Platypus Rescue HQ at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo aims to house and study platypuses in captivity, with a focus on understanding their breeding behavior, biology, and genetic structure. As one of the only five mammals that lay eggs, platypuses are unique creatures that use electroreception to find prey in murky waters. The males are also venomous, equipped with sharp spurs on their hind feet.
While efforts to conserve the platypus population are critical due to habitat destruction and climate change, little is known about their breeding requirements. The new breeding center hopes to unlock the mystery of what conditions are needed for platypuses to breed successfully. By providing a safe haven for these fascinating creatures, researchers aim to ensure the survival of this iconic Australian species.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com