As is known, platypus fur is very warm and close together they make a semi-aquatic animal does not lose body heat. This is very important given the platypus spend up to 10 hours per day in water and streams where the temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius.
Unfortunately, this excess jusru make the species threatened by climate change have been heating temperature in Australia. From recent research published in Global Change Biology, is expected in the coming year 2070, more than 30 percent of the current platypus habitat would be too hot for them.
Of modeling are made, researchers estimate, the region of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, which is the habitat of the platypus will experience a temperature rise of up to 5 degrees Celsius in 60 years.
"Fur is a very isolating an asset for animals in cold climates. However, the feathers become a burden when conditions warmed up, "said Jenny Davis, professor and ecologist at Monash University, Australia, as quoted by BBC News, June 24, 2011.
For the study, Davis and his team studied the records of platypus distribution during the last two centuries. The data was then combined with the rainfall and temperature statistics. From the analysis, it was revealed that until 1960, platispu habitat is generally determined by amount of rainfall.
After 1960, these animals disappeared from the region where the temperature in general has increased. According to Davis, the results of this study indicate the need to maintain not only the habitat of aquatic animals, but also the temperature of the water flow.
Until the 20th century, the platypus is that the prey animal fur is in great demand. Luckily now the animal has been protected by law in Australia.
Platypus itself is one of five species of mammals that lay eggs. They are also the only member of the genus Ornithorhynchus are still alive. Platypus is also the only venomous mammal in the world.
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