The platypus is quite unusual in that it has the characteristics of bird, mammal and reptile. Here you can see its webbed feet. Photo: Doug Gimesy
With a rubbery duck bill, webbed feet, fur, pectoral girdles and splayed legs resembling the skeleton of a reptile, the platypus is one of Australia’s strangest and most iconic animals.
But platypus numbers are in decline, and this unique creature is now at risk of extinction.
Land clearing, dams, drought and bushfires are destroying critical platypus habitat, leaving them with nowhere to go. To survive, platypuses need safe habitat to call home.
It’s staggering that an animal so central to our national identity isn’t adequately protected.
The platypus is quite unusual in that it has the characteristics of bird, mammal and reptile. Here you can see its webbed feet. Photo: Doug Gimesy
We can’t imagine an Australia without the platypus.
That’s why we’re campaigning to get national protection for the platypus. We're working with experts to nominate it as a nationally recognised threatened species, and pushing for stronger laws to better protect all of Australia’s incredible wildlife.
Speak out for the platypus today:
Header photo: Doug Gimesy
Let's protect the incredible platypus – #BeforeItsGone
