ECHIDNA
Echidna's posses a unique blend of mammalian, reptilian and avian characterstics, making them a captivating example of the diverse wildlife found in Australia (and on planet Earth)!
Echidnas are very different to hedgehogs and ant-eaters. They obviously share some similarities in appearance (spines / quills) and their diets, however they are not closely related and have completely different ecological purposes.
Monotremes
Echidnas are facinating monotremes. Monotremes are a group of egg-laying mammals. Echidnas (along with platypus_ are the only surviving members of this ancient lineage.
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Female echidnas lay a single, leathery egg (about the size of a grape). The egg is layed directly into a puch-like area formed by their abdominal muscles. The egg is incubated in there for 10 days before it hatches. After hatching, the tiny, undeveloped puggle (so cute) stays in the pouch, feeding on milk secreted from a special mammary gland in the mothers pouch. The mother does NOT have nipples - the milk is secreted from pores in the skin.
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The pouch of an echidna is different from that of marscupias, like kangaroos, ikn that the echidna pouch does not fully close. It remains open to the outside environment. The mother must use her strong abdominal muscles to keep her puggle from falling out of her pouch.
Biological Purpose
Echidnas are known to survive in diverse environments, including forests, grasslands and even in urban environments. They feed on ants, termites and other small invertebrates. By consuming large numbers of insects, echidnas help to control the population.
They are strong diggers and use their claws to excavate burrows in search of food. Their burrows create microhabitats within their ecosytems, providing shelter to other small animals. Digging burrows also aerates the Australian soil, allowing oxygen to reach plant roots; thus promoting healthy plant growth and biodiversity. This soil disturbance also mixes organic matter back into the soil.
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Whilst foraging for food, echidnas also inadvertently aid in seed dispersal. Seeds from plants can pass through an echidna's digestive system, without spoiling. When echidnas deposit their scat (droppings) these seeds are planted; thus aiding in the distribution of plant species.
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As one of few remaining monotremes, the echidna holds an important place in the evolutionary history of mammals. Studying echidnas helps scientists to understand the evolutionary adaption that allowed mammals to thrive in different environments. The echidna is unique and symbolic of the incredible diversity of life on Earth.
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