Wildlife
Fight to the death: image of platypus and rakali stoush shocks and surprises
The platypus was observed drowning the rakali and returning to its nesting burrow.
The platypus was observed drowning the rakali and returning to its nesting burrow.
With bizarre physiology and an equally strange collection of genes, the platypus is like no other animal. But, after more than 120 million years of evolution, could time soon be up for this unique Australian.
This platypus was spotted on the ski run at Mount Field, Tasmania.
The hairbands had created deep wounds, leaving no choice but to euthanise the juvenile platypus.
Australian Geographic’s launch cover image has been reimagined as a symbol of conservation for our 150th celebration issue by contemporary Australian conservation wildlife artist Nathan Ferlazzo.
The human body is building up a resistance to antibiotics but the platypus may be able to help.
This year, many of Australia’s best animal science stories had a focus on restoring Australia’s biodiversity – the vast web of living organisms that keep our air, soil and water healthy. Biodiversity affects our economic development as well as our health and wellbeing. We offer you ten stories from 2017 that provide hope that sustained efforts can help.
Research on platypus numbers and distribution is being stepped up as science tries new ways to document this elusive Australian species. Photography by Doug Gimesy.
Do echidnas exist because a platypus once deserted the water and evolved spines? Many experts think so.