What's Up Downunder Digital 2016 Quarterly No.6 June/August Issue | Page 50

SPECIAL FEATURE

Where the
Platypuses are
The platypus is an odd little Aussie creature, a weird mix of fur, duckbill and webbed feet.
Watching a platypus being a platypus in its natural surrounds is inexplicably enchanting.

HOW TO SPOT A PLATYPUS
1. Head out to a river, stream or body of freshwater
in eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Platypuses
live in many different climates. Around dawn or dusk
on a still, cloudy day is best.
2. Try to blend into the surroundings by being quiet,
still and wearing neutral colours.
3. Watch for bubbles escaping from fur, V-shaped
ripples or movement in the water.
Platypuses are small, shy, mostly nocturnal creatures
so there are no guarantees you’ll spot one.
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