![]() How does platypus protect themselves from its predators? You can also help by reporting any platypus sightings to the authorities so that they can be protected. This involves making sure that your dogs (and other pets) are well- supervised and cannot access areas where platypus may be present. One way to do this is by platypus-proofing your property if you live in an area where platypus are found. This means that it is important to take steps to protect platypus from their main predators, dogs. While platypus are not currently considered to be endangered, their population is declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation. While platypuses are relatively well-protected from these predators while in the water, they are vulnerable when they come ashore to lay their eggs. A variety of animals prey on platypus eggs, including snakes, goannas, Tasmanian devils, quolls, and eels. Threats to their eggsĮggs predations are one of the primary concerns for platypus populations. Although platypus are not a major target of human hunting, they are still killed by humans on a regular basis either intentionally or accidentally. As a result, platypuses are in danger of becoming extinct if we don’t change our ways. Platypuses are not aggressive animals, and they are no match for humans when we set our sights on them. We also hunt them for their fur, which is used to make clothing and other items. In addition to being killed by natural predators, Humans are the biggest threat to platypuses, as we destroy their habitat and pollute their water sources. While not as common, this does happen, especially in areas where there is a lot of human activity and platypuses are forced to coexist with these large predators. In addition to eggs, crocodilians also occasionally eat adult platypuses. These large reptiles often eat platypus eggs, which are a major food source for them. Crocodiles and alligatorsĬrocodiles and alligators are the main predators of platypuses. Eels are a major predator of platypuses, and they are responsible for a significant number of platypus deaths each year. In some cases, eels will bite platypuses on the belly, causing fatal injuries. Eels will attack platypuses from behind, wrapping their bodies around the platypus’s neck and suffocating them. In one study, it was estimated that over 50% of platypus mortality could be attributed to feral cats.Įels are drawn to platypuses because they are an easy meal platypuses do not have teeth, so they cannot fight back. Studies have shown that platypuses are particularly vulnerable to predation by feral cats when they are young and still in their natal burrows. ![]() ![]() Feral cats (Felis silvestris)įeral cats are the main predators of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). In addition, platypuses often spend time in burrows or other hiding places, but birds of prey can still find and attack them. However, birds of prey can still penetrate this fur and cause serious injuries or even kill the platypus. While platypuses do have some defenses against these predators, they are not always effective.įor example, platypuses have a thick layer of fur that can help protect them from some attacks. These raptors likely see platypuses as potential meals, and they are certainly capable of killing and eating them. Of the few recorded platypus attacks, most have been by birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and owls. The platypus is a very good swimmer and can elude dogs for a short period of time, but eventually the dog will catch up and kill the platypus. ![]() Dogs typically hunt platypus at night, when the platypus is foraging for food in the water. In fact, dogs are responsible for the majority of platypus deaths each year. Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)ĭogs are the main predators of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). They first bite their prey and then wrap their body around it, squeezing tighter and tighter until the platypus suffocates. Pythons hunt platypus by constricting them. They are also some of the most popular pets due to their docile nature and beautiful patterns. More than 60 species are recognized, and they are among the longest and heaviest snakes in the world. Pythons are a family of large, non-venomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. This is likely due to the fact that platypus are one of the few animals that can be found in the cold, mountainous waters of the Alps. In this area, eagles are thought to prey on platypus more regularly than any other predator. In particular, platypus are thought to be an important food source for eagles in the Australian Alps region. While platypus are not the primary prey of eagles, they do form a significant part of their diet in some areas.
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