Platypuses in the wild can live up to 17 years, with some in captivity reaching 20 years. Lifespan depends on food availability, predator pressures, and habitat conditions. Their slow reproductive rate means long life is crucial for population stability. Longevity allows multiple breeding seasons and higher survival chances for offspring. Extended life spans enable platypuses to master complex hunting techniques. Health monitoring in captivity has provided insights into longevity factors like diet and stress. This remarkable lifespan is unusual for small mammals.
Long life supports population stability despite low reproductive output.
Longevity facilitates learning of sophisticated hunting and survival skills.
Platypuses in captivity can live up to 20 years with proper care.
Australian Museum (australian.museum)