The platypus is a mammal known for its physical peculiarities. Semi-aquatic animal endemic to Australia, it lives on the shores and in the waters of lakes and rivers. Very good swimmer, the platypus spends most of the time in the water in search of food. Crustaceans, larvae, and glasses are its favorite prey. It can stay 5 minutes underwater without breathing. At night, the platypus glows in the dark. It is one of the few mammals to be fluorescent. In 200 years, half of the platypus has disappeared. Their habitat is threatened by droughts and forest fires. Photo credit: Meg Jerrard