Australia is getting warmer and drier, and the area suitable for platypus is getting smaller and smaller.
Research recently published in “Global Change Biology”, used platypus population data dating back to the late 19th Century combined with climate data to show that where platypus can be found is becoming increasingly limited. This is due to warmer summer temperatures rather than the availability of habitat.
“Platypus have only a limited capacity to moderate their body temperature,” the researchers said. “When summer temperatures become too warm they are very vulnerable.”
Read more at Monash University