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The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal endemic to Australia and Tasmania, characterized by having a duck-like beak, beaver-like tail and otter-like feet. It is one of the few poisonous mammals that exist.
The male of this species has a spike on its hind legs, which releases a poison that can cause a intense pain. In addition to the platypus, we have the shrews and the well-known solenodon, as a species that also have the ability to produce and inject poison.
In this article by the Animal Expert we want to share a lot of information about the poisons that platypus produce and mainly answer the question: platypus venom is deadly?
Poison production in platypus
Both male and female have spikes in their ankles, however only the male produces poison. This is composed of proteins similar to defensive ones, where three are unique to this animal. Defenses are produced in the animal's immune system.
The poison can kill small animals, including puppies, and is produced in the male's crural glands, these have the shape of a kidney and are connected to the post. Females are born with rudimentary spikes that do not develop and fall out before the first year of age. Apparently the information to develop the venom is in the chromosome, which is why only males can produce it.
The venom has a different function than that produced by non-mammalian species, with effects not as lethal, but strong enough to weaken the enemy. The platypus injects in a dose, between 2 to 4 ml of its venom. During the mating season, the male's venom production increases.
In the image you can see the calcaneus spur, with which the platypus inject their venom.
The effects of poison on humans
The venom can kill small animals, however in humans it is not lethal but produces intense pain. Immediately after the bite, edema develops around the wound and extends to the affected limb, the pain is so strong that it can't be mitigated with morphine. Also, a simple cough can increase the intensity of the pain.
After an hour it can even spread to other areas of the body, other than the affected extremity. After the color period, it becomes a hyperalgesia which can last a few days or even months. It was also documented muscle atrophy which can last the same period of time as hyperalgesia. In Australia there were few cases of bites from platypus.
Is platypus venom deadly?
In short we can say that platypus venom is and is not deadly. Why? Because in smaller animals yes, it is lethal, causing the victim's death, a poison so powerful that it can even kill a dog if it has the conditions for that to happen.
But if we talk about the damage that the poison causes to a human, it is a very strong damage and a pain compared to even one of greater intensity than gunshot wounds. However it is not strong enough to kill a human being.
In any case, you should bear in mind that attacks by animals such as the platypus happen because the animal feel threatened or as a defense. And a tip, the correct way to grab and avoid a sting of the platypus is holding the animal by the base of its tail so that it is face down.
You might also be interested in seeing the most venomous snakes in the world.