The Short-beaked Echidna is also known as the spiny anteater, their snouts are rigid and strong, allowing them to break open logs and termite mounds. Echidnas then slurp up ants and other insects with their sticky, saliva-covered tongue, which can be 17cm long.
Echidnas have a very keen sense of smell, useful in locating mates, detecting danger and snuffling for food. Their short limbs and shovel-like claws are perfect for digging out food and burrowing in the soil. Males also have a spur on each hind leg though, unlike the Platypus, it’s non-venomous.
Echidnas may be shy and infrequently seen, but they’re found across most of Australia and hold the title of Australia’s most widespread native mammal. We were delighted to spot this one in the Lane Cove National Park
