The extint "Giant patagonian platypus"
The Patagonian Platypus, also known as the Tierra del Fuego Platypus, is a cryptid reported primarily in the southernmost regions of South America—specifically the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, which spans both Chile and Argentina. This alleged creature is considered an out-of-place animal, described as a species of platypus not known to modern science.
Sightings and Reports[]
The first reports date back to the 1800s, when early explorers claimed to see strange, semi-aquatic, duck-billed creatures in the cold rivers and wetlands of the region. However, the most famous sighting occurred in the 1970s, when an anonymous amateur naturalist claimed to have encountered the creature. This sighting was later communicated to BBC producer Michael Andrews, who in turn passed the account to well-known cryptozoologist J. Richard Greenwell.
Scientific Connection[]
Intriguingly, Greenwell speculated that the sightings might be connected to Monotrematum sudamericanum, a fossil species of platypus that lived in Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia during the Paleocene. The fossil was only recently discovered at the time, and it represented the first known platypus outside of Oceania, lending some speculative weight to the idea of a surviving relative.
If real, the Patagonian Platypus would be larger than its Australian counterpart and adapted to colder climates, potentially with denser fur or more robust physiology.
Other Reported Regions[]
In addition to Tierra del Fuego, there have been sporadic platypus-like creature sightings in La Araucanía Region and near the Temuco River in Chile, suggesting a broader, though unconfirmed, range, however these may be an American beaver introduced in Chile after being introducing in Argentina and crossing the border.
References:[]
- Greenwell, J.R. (1993). Searching for a living form of platypus in South America. In D.W. Reed (Ed.), Spirit of enterprise: The 1993 Rolex Awards (pp. 181-183). Buri International.