Easily recognised by the distinctive spines on its coat, the Short-Beaked Echidna grows to between 30-45cm in length. Also known as the Spiny Anteater or Porcupine, this solitary animal adapts to any habitat.

Ants and termites make up their diet. They break into nests and extract them with their long snout and sticky tongue.

Mating occurs between July and August, with the female laying an egg about two weeks later. After hatching, the young stay in the pouch and suckle on numerous milk pores.