Tachyglossus aculeatus aculeatus

(Shaw, 1792)

Vernacular names
English : Short-beaked echidna
French : Echidné à nez court

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Monotremata
Family : Tachyglossidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
Up to 45 cm body length, weight up to 6 kg. Unmistakable species with a beak about 6 cm length. Strong claws on all limbs. Brown hairs, body (except from head) covered with long and thick spines (beige-yellow and black).

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in Eastern Australia. The species is found throughout Australia, in south-east New Guinea and on Tasmania and Bass Strait Islands. Lives in all kinds of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands and arid areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species isn’t threatened and remains protected throughout Australia. New Guinean and Kangaroo Islands populations declining due to hunting.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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