Platypus

WHY IN NEWS?

Australia’s iconic platypus under threat from climate change: study

ABOUT PLATYPUS

• Australia’s devastating drought, and other effects of climate change are pushing the iconic duck-billed platypus, a globally unique mammal, towards extinction.
• Platypuses are nocturnal, semiaquatic animals that are endemic to Australia and Tasmania.
• The strange egg-laying, river-dwelling mammal is currently listed as endangered in South Australia, and as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
• But the researchers behind a new analysis of platypus populations say there's strong evidence that platypus populations are declining in Australia and Tasmania, the only two countries where the secretive animals exist in the wild.

Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Platypus:
1.Platypuses are endemic to Australia and Tasmania only.
2.It is listed as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)1 only
b)2 only
c)Both 1 and 2
d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question