2013 $1 Bush Babies Platypus PNC

The platypus when first seen by English scientists was thought to be a hoax. Since then, scientists have come to accept that this Australian native is very real, although a rarity among creatures – it is one of only two monotremes, or egg laying mammals in the world and is protected in Australia. The name ‘platypus’ means ‘flat feet’ and it describes in part their webbed feet which can be folded away when on land. The bill of the platypus acts like a radar and helps it locate food.