The Platypus is Unusual
The platypus is not your average animal. It looks something of a cross between an otter and a beaver, with a tail that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie and a furry body that seems to have no purpose other than looking incredibly cute. Despite its strange and unusual appearance, the platypus is actually one of the most interesting animals in the world, and it is quite possibly one of the world’s most unusual creatures as well.
What makes the platypus so unusual is its habitat. Unlike other animals, the platypus lives in water instead of on land. It prefers to remain in shallow streams, rivers, and lakes. The platypus is also able to close its eyes and ears while in the water, allowing it to remain submerged for hours on end, evading predators and searching for food. As if that weren’t peculiar enough, the platypus also has venomous claws which it uses to ward off predators and to fight other males during mating season.
A Threatened Species
Unfortunately, the platypus is a threatened species and hunting it is prohibited in some states. This species cannot be hunted in Victoria, the Australian state where it is found naturally. There are several reasons why the platypus should not be hunted. Firstly, hunting the species is illegal and this could lead to a hefty fine or even potential jail time.
In addition to the legal implications of hunting the species, it is important to consider the impact hunting could have on the platypus population. The species is already threatened due to habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of predators. Any further disruption to the species could have a devastating effect on the already fragile population.
An Important Species
The platypus has been important to Australian culture for centuries. It has become a symbol of the country’s unique wildlife and the vastness of its natural environment. Hunting this unique species could affect not only its population but also the way in which Australians view themselves and their environment.
Furthermore, the platypus has a special ecological role within the Australian environment. It is a keystone species, one of the few species that help maintain the wildlife balance within a given environment. If the species were to become endangered or extinct, the intersection between other aquatic animals and their ecosystems could become threatened.
An Unnecessary Activity
In addition to the legal implications, environmental impacts and cultural significance of platypus hunting, it is undeniably an unnecessary activity. The platypus does not provide any food or other resources that humans need to survive. Therefore, hunting the species would be nothing more than an act of cruelty and a waste of its life.
Ultimately, there is no reason to hunt the platypus. It is an illegal, unnecessary and cruel activity which could have devastating consequences for the species’ population and their habitat. It is also an affront to the natural order of the environment, and could potentially have far-reaching implications to the environment and the way in which Australians view their relationship to the natural environment. For these reasons, it is best to leave platypus hunting strictly to the laws of nature.