Echidna Print E-mail
It has recently been recognized that there are at least 3 species of echidnas. Most of these inhabit the jungles of New Guinea. There is one very widespread species found in Australia. It is an unmistakable animal; about the size of a small cat, it is covered with brown spines, has a long beak-like nose and tiny, squinty eyes. The Echidna walks with a distinctive rolling gait.

The echidna is probably Australia's most widespread native mammal. It can be found anywhere on the continent in pretty much any terrestrial habitat, from desert dunes to tropical rainforest. However, it may well be naturally sparse with low population numbers. Although it is generally considered a widespread and common species, it is not regularly or predictably observed, most likely due to its nocturnal habits, especially, in the tropical parts of the continent. If disturbed or scared, it buries itself half into the ground, or wedges itself under a log or rock, so only the spines are visible.

echidna
Echidna
 
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