Although platypus venom has a broadly similar range of effects and is known to consist of a similar selection of substances to reptilian venom, it appears to have a different function from those poisons produced by lower vertebrates; its effects are not life-threatening but nevertheless powerful enough to cause serious impairment to the victim, which can lead to temporary paralysis. It is not used as a method of disabling nor killing prey, and although it acts as a defensive mechanism, only males produce venom. Since production rises during the breeding season, it is theorised that the venom is used as an offensive weapon to assert dominance and to control territory during this period. While the platypus may use this characteristic for offensive mating purposes, they may have also adapted it for defensive techniques. Crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, and raptors are known local predators to the platypus, all of which can be impacted by the venom.