Platypus fast disappearing

When naturalists in the late 18th century were first presented with evidence of a platypus they dismissed the dead specimen that had been sent back from the new colony of Australia, as a hoax. The semi aquatic, egg-laying mammals with bills that resembled a duck’s were, however, so numerous that they could be found deep into the inland waterways all along the east coast, from north Queensland to the southern island of Tasmania. Yet scientists have found the platypus is fast disappearing, in part due to last year’s devastating fires, and are calling for it to be given threatened status and greater protection. Source: The Times