Platypus

Platypuses (Ornithorhynchidae) are a family of beaked egg-laying mammals closely related to echidnas native only to Australia, with the exception of the oceanic platypus (Ornithorhynchus thalassus), which is also found throughout the Indian Ocean. The most well known species is the duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), which is native the swamps and riverbanks of Australia. They are omnivorous and, depending on a species, can feed on invertebrates, fish, frogs, or fruits. Some species are threatened due to human activities, but many are listed as Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and their ability to tolerate human activities of most kinds, including being able to adapt to life in the cities and suburbs.