Platypuses live in eastern Australia, ranging from the tropical streams of far north Queensland to the cold regions of Tasmania and the Australian Alps. They inhabit freshwater systems including rivers, streams, lakes joined by rivers, and farm dams. Platypuses build burrows in riverbanks, often just above water level and among tree roots or vegetation. Their habitat preference includes areas with native vegetation that provide shading and cover, and water substrates like cobbles and gravel to support their bottom-dwelling food sources. They are mostly nocturnal and rely heavily on aquatic environments to forage for food such as insect larvae, shrimp, and other small aquatic animals.
