<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Shaw, 1799) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Platypus range (red--native, yellow--introduced) </Td> </Tr> <P> The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), sometimes referred to as the duck - billed platypus, is a semiaquatic egg - laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania . Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth . The animal is the sole living representative of its family (Ornithorhynchidae) and genus (Ornithorhynchus), though a number of related species have been found in the fossil record . The first preserved platypus body was thought to have been a fake, made of several animals sewn together, when it was first looked at by scientists in 1799 . </P> <P> The unusual appearance of this egg - laying, duck - billed, beaver - tailed, otter - footed mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate hoax . It is one of the few species of venomous mammals: the male platypus has a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans . The unique features of the platypus make it an important subject in the study of evolutionary biology and a recognisable and iconic symbol of Australia; it has appeared as a mascot at national events and is featured on the reverse of its 20 - cent coin . The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales . </P>

Are platypus the only mammals that lay eggs