Short-beaked echidna
The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of four living species of echidna. Echidnas are egg-laying mammals living in Australia (one species) and New Guinea (4 species). They occur in almost all Australian environments, from the snow-clad Australian Alps to the deep deserts of the Outback, essentially anywhere ants and termites are available. Echidnas have elongated and slender snouts that function as both mouth and nose, and which have electrosensors to find earthworms, termites, ants, and other burrowing prey. Echidnas and the platypus are the only surviving members of the order Monotremata, the only group of living mammals that lay eggs. Rather than through nipples, monotremes lactate from their mammary glands via openings in their skin. All five extant species show prolonged parental care of their young, with low rates of reproduction and relatively long life-spans. Echidnas are constantly probing the ground or rotting wood in search of food. Their eyesight is not good. This individual appeared to be totally unaware or unconcerned of my presence.
Short-beaked echidna
The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of four living species of echidna. Echidnas are egg-laying mammals living in Australia (one species) and New Guinea (4 species). They occur in almost all Australian environments, from the snow-clad Australian Alps to the deep deserts of the Outback, essentially anywhere ants and termites are available. Echidnas have elongated and slender snouts that function as both mouth and nose, and which have electrosensors to find earthworms, termites, ants, and other burrowing prey. Echidnas and the platypus are the only surviving members of the order Monotremata, the only group of living mammals that lay eggs. Rather than through nipples, monotremes lactate from their mammary glands via openings in their skin. All five extant species show prolonged parental care of their young, with low rates of reproduction and relatively long life-spans. Echidnas are constantly probing the ground or rotting wood in search of food. Their eyesight is not good. This individual appeared to be totally unaware or unconcerned of my presence.