05 June 2008

Short-beaked Echidna - Tachyglossus aculeatus

I have not seen this egg-laying monotreme in either the coastal alkaline or heathland zones around Esperance, although I have heard of a few that have been introduced from other areas. I can see no reason why this absence should be, as I have seen them in sandy heaths in Victoria where they were very common. However, in this region I have only seen them in the inland mallee, particularly around granite outcrops where their diggings for ants and termites are often extensive. For photos and other Echidna details see here:http://www.faunanet.gov.au/wos/factfile.cfm?Fact_ID=296