![]() ![]() This can affect the platypus's ability to maintain body temperature and to hunt properly for food on the bottom of rivers and creeks. In recent studies it has been suggested that the eyes of the platypus are more similar to those of Pacific hagfish or Northern Hemisphere. An initial cash injection of 250,000 will go immediately towards restoration works at key habitat sites while a further 50,000. Affected animals often develop skin lesions or ulcers, and the biggest threat to their survival arises from secondary infection. The calcaneus spur found on the male's hind limb is used to deliver venom. The Victorian Government is taking urgent action to protect the platypus with the global icon now officially a threatened species and listed as vulnerable in Victoria. Tasmanian platypuses are subject to a disease caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum, which has fortunately not migrated to the mainland. They have disappeared from South Australia. The platypus is vulnerable because of habitat loss through deforestation, dams and irrigation projects. Platypuses are now strictly protected by law. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the platypus as "least concern". The Australian Government lists the platypus as " common but vulnerable". The use of fishing nets is still something of a problem, even though it is illegal now to use fishing nets in freshwater rivers and creeks, as the platypuses can become entangled. However, there are concerns regarding the destruction of their habitat and awareness of this problem is increasing. In the past it came closer to extinction but it now has protection by law in the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 1974 (from hunters and fishermen), and the population has grown back to a healthy size. There was a time when the platypus was under threat, being particularly prized for its fur years ago. It is not listed on the IUCN Redlist (endangered species list). The platypus, although found only in the country of Australia (which includes the island state of Tasmania) is notendangered.
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