PLATYPUS

Photographed at Jenolan Caves, NSW.

35            PLATYPUS                Ornithorhynchus anatinus 

AUSTRALIA               35

Monotreme (the other monotreme being the echidna). Locally command widespread throughout e. coast of Australia from Cooktown (Q) to sw Vic., also Tasmania. Inhabits freshwater streams, lakes, shallow reservoirs and farm dams. Prefers areas with steep baks in which to burrow. Shy and difficult to observe. Mostly crepuscular and nocturnal but may be diurnal. Largely solitary. Feeds on benthic invertebrates, which stores in cheek pushes until can chew while floating on surface. Lays two eggs in nest/burrow, young left in burrow and fed by mother for 4-5 months.

SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA

Photographed in Tasmania, January 2015

15                 SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA               Tachyglossus aculeatus 

AUSTRALIA               15

Also known as Spiny Anteater. Found throughout Austraia, including Tasmania; all terrains except intense farming. Common to sparse. When disturbed it burrows vertically presenting only its spiny back. Solitary within large home range. Toothless and feeds on ants, termites, beetle larvae. Single egg and later juvenile carried in pouch. One of only two monotremes.

Photographed in Queensland

Photographed in central NSW