Where Do Platypus Sleep? Inside Their Underground Burrows

The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal native to eastern Australia, distinguished by its soft bill, dense waterproof fur, and webbed front feet. Male platypuses also possess a venomous spur on each ankle, a rare trait among mammals. These animals are monotremes, a group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.

The Platypus Burrow System

Platypuses seek refuge and sleep in earthen burrows excavated into the banks of rivers, streams, and ponds. These burrows serve as their primary shelter from predators and the elements. The entrance to a platypus burrow is often located underwater, making it difficult for land-based predators to access. From this submerged entry point, the tunnel slopes upward.

This upward-sloping design leads to one or more dry chambers situated safely above the water level, preventing flooding. The platypus’s strong front limbs are equipped with sturdy claws ideal for digging through soil and vegetation. The complexity and length of these burrows can vary, with some extending as far as 30 meters into the riverbank.

The location of a burrow is selected to be close to reliable food sources, as platypuses are bottom-feeders that forage for invertebrates. The stability of the bank is another consideration, ensuring the burrow remains intact. The tunnels are often just wide enough for the platypus to move through, which helps keep the internal temperature stable.

Nesting Versus Resting Burrows

Platypuses maintain two distinct types of burrows: simpler resting burrows and more elaborate nesting burrows. Resting burrows are generally shallower and less complex. A platypus may dig several of these within its home range to use for daily shelter and sleeping between foraging trips. These structures provide a secure place to rest without a significant energy investment.

In contrast, nesting burrows are constructed exclusively by females for laying eggs and rearing their young. These are much deeper and more intricate than resting burrows. A female will dig a far more extensive tunnel system, which can include multiple chambers. This complex design provides enhanced protection for her offspring.

A feature of a nesting burrow is the use of soil plugs. The female will block the tunnel at several points with compacted earth, creating barriers against predators and fluctuations in water levels. Inside the main nesting chamber, she builds a nest out of damp leaves and other vegetation. This material helps maintain a humid environment, which is important for preventing the eggs from drying out during incubation.

Platypus Sleep Schedule

The sleep schedule of a platypus is closely tied to its foraging activity. These animals are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the night and at the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They spend a considerable amount of their time in the water hunting for food, a process that requires a great deal of energy.

To conserve this energy, a platypus will spend a large portion of the day asleep inside its burrow. It is estimated that a platypus can sleep for up to 14 hours a day. This extended rest period allows the animal to recover between its energetic underwater foraging sessions.

During these active periods, a platypus may make numerous dives. It uses the sensitive electroreceptors on its bill to detect the faint electrical fields produced by its prey underwater. After foraging, the platypus retreats to the security of its burrow to rest, digest its meal, and remain hidden from daytime predators.