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
report a sighting
Spotted an echidna in the wild? Help protect these monotremes by reporting your sighting to EchidnaWatch.
Share your story
Do you have a story or an image to share? Follow us on Facebook and tag @wildlifequeensland so we can share.
Shop to help
The proceeds from our shop go towards projects and research that benefits echidnas and threatened species.
Volunteer
Join our network of volunteers and citizen scientists who help protect and conserve echidnas and other mammals.
Sightings Data
Wildlife Queensland partner, BioGeo, mapped echidna sightings reported to EchidnaWatch (2013–2018) and added data from GBIF. The mapped data highlights roads in Queensland with frequent echidna observations or incidents. We have shared this information with stakeholders to raise awareness and explore signage options.
EchidnaWatch educational resources
Species profile
Fact sheets & guides
- Short-beaked Echidna — a Marvellous Monotreme Guide
- Short-beaked Echidna Information Booklet
- 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. Watch video
EchidnaWatch webinars & picture books
- Echidna Encounters in South East Queensland by Kate Dutton-Regester (flipbook)
Further reading
Articles & papers
- Augee, M, Gooden, B, and Musser, M (2006) Echidna Extraordinary egg-laying mammal, CSIRO Publishing
Short-beaked Echidna Guide
The Short-beaked Echidna Guide is designed to help you understand the life history and conservation needs of one of Australia’s most iconic and fascinating mammals — the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).
The guide was developed as part of a larger EchidnaWatch project, supported by funding from City of Moreton Bay, to engage the community in short-beaked echidna conservation.
You can also email us to request a printed copy.
Latest EchidnaWatch news
© Canva NFPHelp track South East Queensland’s short-beaked echidnas
Wildlife Queensland EchidnaWatch Project Officer and ecologist Dr Kate Dutton-Regester has initiated two exciting new projects focused on short-beaked echidnas. Discover how you can be involved.
© Canva and Wildlife QueenslandUnveiling 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.
© Graham Lee / Tim Bawden CCbyNCDigging 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.