Short-Beaked Echidna

Tachyglossus aculeatus

Wild Life Endemic IUCN: Least Concern

About

Body rounded and covered in sharp spines, with fur between. Spines yellow-cream with black tips. Smooth tubular snout. Long sharp claws. They feed on 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.

Size

Body can grow to around 44cm

Habitat

Range of areas, including forests.

Distribution

Mainland Australia and Tasmania

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Short-Beaked Echidna
Scientific name: Tachyglossus aculeatus (Shaw, 1792)
Family: Tachyglossidae
Category: Wild Life › Monotremes
Origin: Endemic
Conservation: Least Concern

Australian Faunal Directory

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.