ECHIDNA
Amid the chill of the Australian winter, while many of us are nestled indoors, seeking the warmth of a heater, the natural world outside continues its cycle of life. It’s a time of companionship and survival for many creatures, none more intriguing than the Echidna.
As the cold months of July and August descend, the Echidna’s breeding season is in full swing. Within the underbrush and across the bushland, female Echidnas are on an important mission. They may carry within their specialised pouches a precious cargo: either a soft-shelled egg or a tiny, developing Echidna known as a Puggle.
Unlike their marsupial cousins, Echidnas possess a makeshift pouch. When the time comes, a female Echidna will lie on her back, gently rolling the egg down her belly, tucking it into the protective fold created by contracting muscles – a temporary cradle for the next generation.
In just over ten days, the Puggle makes its entrance into the world, tapping its way out of the egg with an egg tooth. This is the only tooth an Echidna ever has, and it’s shed shortly after the hatching. The Puggle will reside in the safety of its mother’s pouch for around 50 days, until its developing spines prompt a move to a nursery burrow. Here, the mother Echidna will visit every five to six days, nourishing her young with milk secreted from pores on her stomach. This milk evolves in composition as the Puggle grows, a testament to the intricate design of nature.
Echidnas are solitary, with large territories they call home. They cannot be relocated, as they will strive to return, sometimes crossing perilous paths to do so. It’s essential to respect their space and understand their behaviour. When frightened, an Echidna might burrow into the ground. If encountered, it’s best to give them peace and ensure they’re not threatened, allowing them to continue their journey once they feel secure.
Unfortunately, our understanding of Echidnas is still limited. Studies suggest they start breeding around five years of age, but their lifespan in the wild remains a mystery, although they can live over 50 years in captivity. What we do know is their intelligence is reflected in their large brain capacity, and they have remarkable memories.
Echidnas have adapted well to Australia’s varied environments. With a lower body temperature of about 33 degrees Celsius, they share this trait with their monotreme relative, the Platypus. They’re adept swimmers, their hollow spines providing buoyancy. In the heat of summer, they cool off in the water or find shade in burrows.
During the breeding season, one might witness a peculiar parade – a train of Echidnas, led by a single female with several hopeful males trailing behind. This courtship can last for weeks, with males sometimes losing a significant portion of their body weight in the process.
Predators were scarce before humans arrived in Australia, but now dogs and motor vehicles pose significant threats to Echidnas. Their slow pace makes road crossings dangerous, and it’s here where we must be vigilant. If you come across an Echidna that has been hit by a car, especially during the cooler months, it’s crucial to check for a Puggle. These young ones may have rolled away from their mother, resembling a small, clay-like ball. Despite appearing still, a Puggle in trouble is under immense stress. It’s imperative to wrap it gently (do not provide heat) and seek immediate assistance from wildlife carers.
Should you encounter an Echidna in your garden, it may bury into the ground. This is usually a sign that the animal is frightened. In this case, it’s best to leave it alone and remove any potential threats, such as the family dog, or interested onlookers. Once the Echidna feels safe, it will continue on its way. It’s important to note that an Echidna should not be relocated. They are solitary animals with established territories. If removed from their territory, they will make every effort to return, even if it means crossing unfamiliar terrain. Furthermore, since we cannot determine if an Echidna is male or female, it is possible that it has a Puggle waiting in a hollow for mum to return.
In sharing the story of the Echidna, we’re reminded of the delicate balance of life and our role in its preservation. As we learn more about these unique creatures, we grow in our capacity to protect them, ensuring that the Echidna continues to thrive in Australia’s diverse and beautiful landscape.
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