At times, the individuals use rocky crevices and stream debris as shelters, or they burrow under the roots of vegetation near the stream. When not foraging, the Platypus spends most of the time in its burrow in the bank of the river, creek or a pond. They feed in both slow-moving and rapid (riffle) parts of streams, but show preference to coarser bottom substrates, particularly cobbles and gravel.
Platypuses occur in freshwater systems from tropical rainforest lowlands and plateaus of far northern Queensland to cold, high altitudes of Tasmania and the Australian Alps. In addition, males possess a horny spur on their ankles, which is connected to a venom gland in the upper leg, making the Platypus one of the few venomous mammals. The Platypus uses its tail for storage of fat reserves and the strong claws on its feet for burrowing and moving on land. Behind its distinctive bill are the grooves that house the ear openings and the eyes which close when the animal dives. The Platypus propels itself through the water by using its front, short, webbed limbs, and the partially-webbed hind feet act as rudders. Its streamline body and a broad, flat tail are covered with dense waterproof fur, which provides excellent thermal insulation. Platypus is well adapted for semi-aquatic lifestyle. When first discovered, the unusual look of a Platypus caused considerable confusion and doubt amongst European naturalists and scientists, many of whom believed that the animal was a fake.
Along with echidnas, Platypuses are grouped in a separate order of mammals known as monotremes, which are distinguished from all other mammals because they lay eggs. The Platypus is a unique Australian species.
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