The echidna is one of only five monotreme species in the world, an egg-laying mammal covered in sharp spines that resembles a cross between a hedgehog and an anteater. These remarkable creatures possess electroreceptors in their long, sticky tongues that detect electrical signals from ants and termites, their primary food source. When threatened, echidnas curl into an impenetrable ball with spines exposed, or they rapidly dig straight down into the earth until only their spines remain visible. Female echidnas lay a single leathery egg that they carry in a temporary pouch until it hatches. The puggle, as baby echidnas are called, remains in the pouch for about 45 days feeding on milk secreted through pores rather than nipples. Echidnas are found throughout Australia and New Guinea, adapting to environments from snowy mountains to arid deserts.
Key Facts
- One of only five egg-laying mammal species in the world
- Electroreceptors in tongue detect prey through electrical signals
- Curls into spiny ball or digs straight down when threatened
- Baby echidnas called 'puggles' carried in temporary pouch
- Milk secreted through pores - no nipples like other mammals
- Can survive from snowy mountains to scorching deserts
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, echidnas remain widespread across Australia with stable populations. Their spiny defense and burrowing abilities provide excellent protection from most predators. However, they face threats from vehicle collisions, habitat destruction, and climate change affecting food availability. The short-beaked echidna is relatively secure, while the long-beaked echidnas of New Guinea are critically endangered. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and road safety measures.