Australia.

THE PLATYPUS ( Ornithorhynchus Anatinus )

AUSTRALIA.:

 Any series of "Australian Native Animals" could not be complete without including this, the most unique  mammal of them all. Also known, or referred to, as "The Duck Billed Platypus" it is a semi-aquatic egg laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia and Tasmania togeather with the four species of Echidna it is one of five "extant"series Monotremes,, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth.This is the sole living member of its family though a number of related species have been found in the fossil records. The unusual appearance of this Egg laying, Duck billed, Beaver tailed, Otter footed mammal baffled  European naturalists and scientists when they first encountered it with some considering it to be an elaborate hoax. This is one of the few Venomous mammals, as the male has a spur on the hind foot that delivers a venom capable of causing severe pain. The Platypus is the "Animal Emblem" of the State of New South Wales and is also on the reverse side of the 20 cent coin.