Although captive breeding programs have had only limited success and the platypus is vulnerable to the effects of pollution, it is not under any immediate threat. Until the early 20th century, it was hunted for its fur, but it is now protected throughout its range. The platypus is the animal emblem of the state of New South Wales.
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.
It is one of the few venomous mammals, the male platypus having a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain to humans. The unusual appearance of this egg-laying, duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed shape mammal baffled European naturalists when they first encountered it, with some considering it an elaborate hoax. 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. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extantspecies of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth.
The word "platypus" comes from New Latin Platypus which is from Ancient Greek πλατύπους platúpous meaning "flat-footed" which is a compound from πλατύς platús meaning "flat" + πούς poús meaning "foot". The platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus), also known as the duck-billed platypus, is a semiaquatic egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania.