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Tachyglossus aculeatus
Also known as spiny anteaters, the echidnas, together with the platypus, are the world's only monotremes (egg-laying mammals). There are two species - long-beaked and short-beaked. Baby echidnas are called "puggles". How adorable. They are very shy animals, although their spines are seriously formidable. The reference links provide plenty of information.
Found along the Lower Portals Track in Mt. Barney National Park, southeast Queensland. Open eucalypt forest. Rocky location with sandy soils, and dry despite heavy rain the day prior to my visit. Spotted at dusk, and temperature dropping after a hot and sunny day.
My very first encounter with a wild Echidna :) Another good reference link - http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animal...
Spotted on Oct 23, 2015
Submitted on Oct 24, 2015
4 Comments
Thanks, Felix. The platypus is the one I find difficult to get my head around. Amazing creatures. Monotremes definitely are unique!
Great spotting, Neil. Egg-laying mammals - the uniqueness of Australian wildlife!
Thanks, Leanne. I always look and listen for them, so to actually find one was very satisfying. I was delighted.
Such a very special find Neil. Beautiful photos too.