The short-beaked echidna is one of Australia’s most unique and resilient creatures. As a monotreme—a rare group of egg-laying mammals—it boasts a fascinating blend of reptilian and mammalian traits. Found across Australia and parts of New Guinea, this spiky, burrowing animal plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Short-beaked echidnas are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse environments, from deserts to forests. They are neither diurnal nor nocturnal but rather adapt to the climatic conditions of their habitat to avoid extreme temperatures. Their slow metabolism and ability to hibernate in cold weather make them one of Australia’s most resilient mammals.
This ancient species has remained largely unchanged for millions of years, proving that in the wild, sometimes the simplest strategies—like rolling into a spiky ball and eating ants—are the best for survival.
The short beaked echidna lays a single egg and places it in their small backward facing pouch where it hatches after 10 days to become a puggle. The puggle continues to grow inside the pouch until it develops spines. At this point it leaves the pouch and goes to live in a burrow that the mother has built for a further 6 months.
The diet of the short beaked echidna typically includes ants, termites, grubs, larvae and worms. They can detect tiny electrical signals from the insect’s body and use their sharp claws to dig up nests to reveal invertebrates. Once exposed the echidna licks them up with its tongue. Echidnas are unable to perspire and in order to cope with summer heat they avoid day time activities. Their main threats are dogs and foxes.
