The platypus : its discovery, zoological position, form and characteristics, habits, life history, etc.

Drawing on two decades of personal fieldwork, this volume offers a vivid portrait of the platypus as it lives in the rivers and burrows of eastern Australia. The author’s observations come directly from fresh specimens, so the text is filled with practical measurements, clear illustrations, and anecdotes that bring the animal’s odd anatomy and habits to life for a broad audience.

Readers are guided through the creature’s early scientific history, the lingering debates over its classification, and the strange blend of features that make it a true zoological curiosity. Detailed chapters explore its sensory systems, the unique spur and poison gland, nesting behaviors, and the challenges of keeping the animal in captivity, all while staying grounded in the author’s hands‑on experience. The book balances accessible language with enough technical insight to satisfy both casual listeners and budding naturalists.