Australian Short-beaked Echidna - Rolled into a protective ball. Found throughout most of Australia where adults are solitary except during the winter breeding season

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Australian Short-beaked Echidna - Rolled into a protective ball. Found throughout most of Australia where adults are solitary except during the winter breeding season

DH-3354
Short-beaked / short-nosed / Spiny ECHIDNA - Also known as a Spiny Anteater - Rolled into a protective ball
Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia
Tachyglossus aculeatus multiacul
Found throughout most of Australia where adults are solitary except during the winter breeding season. Just 1 egg is laid and when the youngster hatches it is kept in a pouch until it grows spines when it is placed in a special nursery burrow. Eats various invertebrates, termites and ants. Has been known to live 50 years.
Don Hadden
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way.

Ardea are an independent specialist photographic library supplying high quality images of wildlife, pets and the environment

Media ID 1302939

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Anteater Anteaters Ball Balls Curled Up Defence Echidna Echidnas Flexible Monotreme Monotremes Protection Short Beaked Short Nosed Spikes Spines

EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this incredible snapshot captured by Don Hadden, we witness the amazing superpower of Australia's very own Short-beaked Echidna. This little mammal has mastered the art of self-defense like no other! Rolling into a protective ball, our spiky friend showcases its impressive flexibility and unique defense mechanism. Found throughout most of Australia, these solitary creatures only come together during the winter breeding season. But wait, there's more! Just imagine being born with your very own built-in armor. That's right - when an echidna hatches from its single egg, it is kept safe in a pouch until it grows spines. Once equipped with its prickly protection gear, it moves to a special nursery burrow. When it comes to dining preferences, this adorable anteater doesn't hold back either! It feasts on various invertebrates including termites and ants – talk about having a diverse palate! And here's another mind-blowing fact: these remarkable monotremes have been known to live up to 50 years! That's five decades of rolling through life as nature's ultimate superhero. So next time you're exploring Down Under near Katherine in Northern Territory, keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures curled up in their defensive balls – they truly are Australian legends!

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