EchidnaWatch
© Canva NFP
Have you seen an echidna lately? Wildlife Queensland’s EchidnaWatch program is gathering information on the distribution and abundance of echidnas, and we need your help.
Our aims
The only species of echidna in Queensland, and Australia — the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is one of our most beloved and unique animals. With a distribution that extends from Tasmania to the Top End, this ambling adventurer can be found anywhere from the outback to the backyard. Echidnas are considered common, but hard facts about their distribution are scarce.
We know that echidnas don’t cope well with traffic and often become roadkill. But we need to know the real extent of the damage cars do to echidna numbers. We also need information on how echidnas are coping with modern hazards and introduced pests.
EchidnaWatch aims to collate information on the distribution of echidnas in Queensland. We can share this information with Wildnet, the wildlife data repository for the EPA, and other organisations, to help plan for better outcomes for echidnas.
Footage: GKVP/PEXELS
Get involved
EchidnaWatch educational resources
Species profile
Fact sheets & guides
- Short-beaked echidna Information Booklet (flipbook, Jan 2024)
- Echidna Fun Facts by Kate Dutton-Regester
- Echidna Quills by Kate Dutton-Regester
- Echidna Pouch Development by Kate Dutton-Regester
- Echidna Reproduction Cycle by Kate Dutton-Regester
- Echidna Tongue by Kate Dutton-Regester
Videos, webinars & picture books
EchidnaWatch videos
- EchnidaWatch (2022). Watch video
EchidnaWatch webinars & picture books
- Echidna Encounters in South East Queensland by Kate Dutton-Regester (flipbook, Feb 2024)
Further reading
Articles & papers
- Augee, M, Gooden, B, and Musser, M (2006) Echidna Extraordinary egg-laying mammal, CSIRO Publishing
Short-beaked Echidna
Published in January 2024, the Short-beaked Echidna Information Booklet provides fascinating facts about the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), ways to identify them, main threats to echidnas, and how you can help protect these amazing monotremes by reporting your sightings to EchidnaWatch.
View the booklet as a flipbook or download it as a PDF. You can also email us to request a printed copy.
To view the flipbook:
- Press the > button to start or click on the pages.
- Use the RIGHT and LEFT arrows to move forward or back.
- Click on the DOWNLOAD button (cloud and arrow) to download a PDF version.
Latest EchidnaWatch news
Unveiling the echidna pouch: Insights from recent research
Recent research conducted by echidna expert Dr Kate Dutton-Regester provides valuable insights into the morphological changes associated with echidna pouch development.
Digging mammals play a key role in Queensland’s biodiversity
As we approach the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2023, with the theme “Agreement to Action: Build Back Diversity”, it is important to recognise the significance of digging mammals in preserving Queensland’s rich biodiversity.
Wildlife Queensland appreciates our volunteers helping to make a difference
With National Volunteer Week just around the corner, running from 15 – 21 May, Wildlife Queensland would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the many people who generously volunteer their time to support our organisation.