Short-beaked echidna

Tachyglossus Aculeatus

The Echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus) alternatively known as short-beaked echidna, is the only echidna in Australia, with long-beaked echidna from New Guinea. These along with the Platypus are the only living mammals that lay eggs.

They are unmistakable - sharp spines, short legs and long snout and sized between 40-55cm

The preferred habitat of the Short-beaked Echidna is forests and woodlands, heath, grasslands and arid environments, they can be found all over Australia including Tasmania

The Short-beaked Echidna breaks into ant and termite nests and catches its prey by flicking its long sticky tongue in and out. It also catches a lot of dirt in the process and this is expelled in the droppings.

They are monotremes or egg laying mammals, lay one egg at a time which hatch after about 10 days. The young, emerge blind and hairless, clinging to hairs inside the mother's pouch the young echidna suckles for two or three months. Once it develops spines and becomes too prickly, the mother removes it from her pouch and builds a burrow for it. It continues to suckle for the next six months.

These spiky little tanks have few natural enemies, but may be killed by cars, dogs, foxes and occasionally goannas, and cats may take the young.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echidna

https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/short-beaked-echidna/