General Description

Body rounded and covered in sharp spines, with fur between. Spines yellow-cream with black tips. Smooth tubular snout. Long sharp claws. Body up to 44 cm.

Biology

Short-beaked Echidnas have one of the largest ranges of any Australian mammal and are found in almost all terrestrial habitats. Short-beaked Echidnas capture ants, termites and other small invertebrates using a long, sticky tongue. They grind this food on horny plates in the mouth. Females lay eggs and feed their young on milk. They like to shelter in mulch piles and sometimes leave their babies in piles of leaves in people's backyards. They are often spotted at dusck but can be seen at any time of day.

Distribution

Mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Range of areas, including forests.

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