Ornithorhynque Paradoxa, Ornithorhynchus Paradox, Blumenb. [Platypus]

Finely engraved French image of a Platypus.

The first description and known sighting was from a captured animal in November 1797 by David Collins on the Hawkesbury River. When the first skin sent by John Hunter, reached Europe it was thought to be a hoax and during the nineteenth century is was suspected that it lay eggs, but it was not until 1884 that final proof was obtained.

First sighting and capture November 1797

‘….. made up the whole catalogue of anumals that were known at this time, with the exception which must now be made of an amphibious animal, of the mole species, one of which had been lately found on the banks of a lake near the Hawkesbury.

First published description 1799

‘…Of all the Mammalia yet known it seems the most extraordinary in its conformation, exhibiting the perfect resemblance of the beak of a Duck engrafted on the head of a quadraped. So accurate is the similitude, that, at first view, it naturually excites the idea of some deceptive preparation by artificial means…

Not a Hoax 1800

Of this most extraordinary genus the first description appeared in the Naturalist’s Miscellany; but as the individual there described was the only one which had been seen…… Two more specimens, however, having been very lately sent over from New Holland, by Governor Hunter, to Sir Joseph Banks, the suspicions before mentioned are now completely dissipated.

Common names            Platypus, duck-billed Platypus
Modern binomial name Ornithorhynchus anatinus
First described                Shaw 1799
Distribution                      SA, VIC, TAS, NSW & QLD

Reference                        The Mammals of Australia, Strahan, 2nd edition. p.36-38 ill.36,38