The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semiaquatic, egg-laying mammal indigenous to eastern Australia and Tasmania. Platypuses have a distinctive appearance with features of both mammals and birds. They have a duck-like bill and webbed feet, yet are covered in fur like other mammals. So what exactly do Australians call this unique creature?
Common Names for the Platypus in Australia
The most widely used common name for the platypus in Australia is simply “platypus.” This term likely originated from the animal’s scientific name Ornithorhynchus anatinus, which is derived from the Greek words for “bird” (ornitho), “bill” (rhynchus), and “duck” (anatinus).
Some other common names for the platypus used in Australia include:
- Water mole
- Duckbill
- Duckmole
- Mallangong
- Boondaburra
“Water mole” and “duckbill” refer to the platypus’s mole-like body and duck-like bill. “Duckmole” combines these two descriptive names. “Mallangong” and “boondaburra” come from Australian Aboriginal terms for the animal.
Aboriginal Names for the Platypus
Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal peoples had their own names for the platypus prior to European settlement. Some Aboriginal names for the platypus include:
Language Group | Name |
---|---|
Yugambeh | Mallangong |
Gunai | Boondaburra |
Wiradjuri | Thirrugin |
Yirqin | Birrin |
These Aboriginal terms often reflected the platypus’s physical features, behaviors, or habitat. For example, “mallangong” means “water-rat” in the Yugambeh language of southeast Queensland. Meanwhile, “boondaburra” means “duck-like” in the Gunai language of Victoria.
The Platypus in Early European Descriptions
When European settlers first encountered the platypus in the late 18th century, they had great difficulty classifying this new creature. The platypus seemed to blend mammalian, reptilian, and avian features in an unfamiliar way.
Some of the earliest European descriptions of the platypus included:
- “A quadruped with the bill of a duck”
- “An amphibious animal of the mole kind”
- “A piece of devilry”
These perplexed descriptions highlighted the Europeans’ uncertainty around the platypus’s classification and relation to more familiar animals. Some early skeptics even dismissed platypus specimens as fraudulent creations stitched together from multiple animals!
The Platypus’s Early Scientific Names
In 1799, the first formal scientific description of the platypus was published by George Shaw and Frederick Polydore Nodder. They gave it the name Platypus anatinus, meaning “flat-footed duck.” Here are some other early scientific names given to the platypus:
Scientific Name | Year Described | Scientist |
---|---|---|
Ornithorhynchus paradoxus | 1802 | Johann Friedrich Blumenbach |
Ornithorhynchus anatinus | 1810 | Johann Karl Wilhelm Illiger |
Ornithorhynchus hystrix | 1822 | Heinrich Kuhl |
These early scientific names focused on the platypus’s bird-like bill shape combined with its mammalian features. The name Ornithorhynchus anatinus eventually became the accepted scientific name for the species.
The Platypus in Popular Culture
Today, the platypus holds a unique place in Australian culture and popular imagination. It features prominently in children’s stories, TV shows, logos, and as a cultural icon of Australia’s distinct wildlife.
Children’s Media
The platypus is a popular animal character in Australian children’s fiction. Famous examples include:
- Platypus from the Australian TV show Johnson and Friends
- Pat the Platypus from the animated series Wombat City
- Perry the Platypus from the Disney show Phineas and Ferb
Platypus characters are typically depicted as smart, funny, and friendly. Their unique appearance and real-life habitats also lend themselves well to children’s stories set in Australia.
Company Logos
The platypus has been incorporated into many Australian company logos, including:
- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- Platypus shoes
- Platypus outdoors gear
- Platypus swimwear
Using the platypus helps give these Australian brands a distinct national flavour. The platypus encapsulates Australians’ pride in their wildlife and connection to nature.
Souvenirs and Stamp Designs
Visitors to Australia often buy platypus souvenirs like stuffed toys or figurines. The platypus has appeared on multiple Australian stamp issues and coins over the years. These widespread usages show its status as an iconic Australian animal.
Conclusion
To Australians, the platypus is far more than just a curious-looking creature. It holds a special place as one of the most unique and iconic Australian animals. The platypus’s long history of Aboriginal and European names reflects its distinctive biology and Australians’ long fascination with it. From its role in children’s stories to its use in company logos, the iconic platypus continues to be a widely recognized symbol of Australia’s natural heritage.