{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "platypus",
  "name": "Platypus",
  "scientificName": "Ornithorhynchus anatinus",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "The platypus is a small, semi-aquatic Australian mammal with a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail. It is one of only five mammal species that lay eggs (a monotreme), and males have a venomous spur. Platypuses typically live 6 to 15 years in the wild.",
  "conservationStatus": "Near Threatened",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Monotremata",
    "family": "Ornithorhynchidae",
    "genus": "Ornithorhynchus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 1.5,
    "lengthM": 0.45,
    "topSpeedKmh": 1,
    "lifespanYears": 15
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Ornithorhynchus anatinus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore (insect larvae, worms, shellfish)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "6–15 years in the wild"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "0.7–2.4 kg (1.5–5.3 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Length",
      "value": "40–50 cm (16–20 in) including tail"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Near Threatened (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Eastern Australia from northern Queensland to Victoria, and across Tasmania, in permanent freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes.",
    "continents": [
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Ornithorhynchus anatinus.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Ornithorhynchus%20anatinus&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Ornithorhynchus anatinus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ornithorhynchus_anatinus/"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Wikipedia — Platypus.",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypus"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/platypus/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/platypus/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}