Here's why:
* Difficult to count: Platypi are elusive creatures, living in burrows along rivers and streams. It's very hard to conduct accurate censuses of their population.
* Limited research: While some research has been done, it's often focused on specific areas or populations.
* Fluctuating numbers: Platypi populations are likely affected by factors like habitat loss, climate change, and predation.
However, we can make some educated guesses:
* Estimated range: Scientists believe the total platypus population is somewhere in the hundreds of thousands.
* Decline: While the species is not considered endangered, there have been significant declines in some areas.
More research and monitoring is needed to better understand the true population of platypi in the world.