Short-beaked Echidna

The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is the most widespread mammal in Australia and the only one of four living species of echidna to be found on mainland Australia. The other three (Zaglossus spp.) inhabit nearby Papua New Guinea. Sometimes incorrectly called the spiny anteater, the short-beaked echidna is completely unrelated to the placental anteaters of the Americas, even despite using their sticky, 17cm tongue to lick up termites. Echidnas are monotremes, which means they lay eggs which the females incubate in a rudimentary pouch on the belly. Once the eggs hatch, the puggles (baby echidna) suckle from the mother for three months before venturing out into the world.

IUCN status: Least concern

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