Echidna is a small mammal flocking the Tasmanian region of Australia. It has been inspiration for a number of ancient aboriginal rock arts and also features on the Australian five-cent coin. In appearance, it resembles a Hedgehog. Echidna is the only surviving monotremes species in the world besides the Platypus. It is interesting to know that this timid animal draws it name from Echidna Hystrix, which is also the name of Greek Goddess Ekhidna who was half reptile half mammal. Besides, many people also call echidna "short -beaked echidna" or "native porcupine". However, the Australians call it 'spiky anteater'.
Echidnas are chiefly solitary creatures, which appear oddly self-contained. They are moderately large animals, with the adult weighing about 8kg. They have medium-sized, stocky body and a small head with a long snout. There are sharp spines on back and sides. |
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Unlike platypuses, echidnas lack webbing. Instead, they have large, shovel-like claws. You can easily spot an echidna anywhere in Australia, from high mountains to dry deserts. Echindas do not have any fixed nest site. So they take shelter under thick bushes, in hollow logs, under piles of debris, or in caves or crevices. Some mischievous echidnas can also be found using burrows constructed by wombats and rabbits. Though echidnas move lazily slow, they are excellent swimmers.
There are two echidna genera: the Zaglossus genus from New Guinea and the Tachyglossus genus found in south east New Guinea, Australian Alps, deep forests of Outback, Tasmanian region and almost whole of the Australian landscape. The Zaglossus genus is the long-beaked type that eats ants, worms and other insects hidden in leaf litter on the forest floor. The short beaked Tachyglossus is more commonly found and it also eats ants, insects, and worms.
Echidnas have a fairly long life and they adapt quite well to all kinds of conditions. While in the high mountains they hibernate to escape the winters, in the dry regions of the Australian desert they become nocturnal and take refuge in the caves or rock crevices during the hot daytime. Echidnas are so common is Australia that you can actually spot them strolling along the side of the road.
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