A Spike in Interest

January 15, 2021

Meet some of the native wildlife of Kangaroo Island!

Echidnas are classified as monotremes, a mammal that lays eggs. Four species of Echidna and the Platypus make up the entirety of this unique classification, all of which are native to Australia and New Guinea.

Millions of years of evolution has resulted in echidnas laying eggs like a reptile, their hind feet point backwards, long ant eater shaped snouts, a pouch like a Kangaroo and spikes like a porcupine. They also have a secret weapon, their hollow spikes provide extra buoyancy making them great swimmers! They are so versatile that they can be found in the middle of the desert, roaming snow-capped mountains, or on the beaches of Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island offers a unique opportunity to research Echidnas in a unique habitat.

In fact, Kangaroo Island is home to it’s own sub species, the short beaked Echidna. Local ecologist Dr Peggy Rismiller has been studying the species for over 30 years from her base at the Pelican Lagoon Research Centre. Peggy arrived on Kangaroo Island in 1988, and was amazed to learn how little research had been done since the first documented encounter with the species in 1792. Due to the absence of natural predators and introduced species, and the extent of pristine landscape which has remained untouched, Kangaroo Island offers a unique opportunity to research Echidnas in a preserved habitat.

So loved are these island residents that travellers are encouraged to document their Echidna sightings using the @EchidnaCSI mobile app, a crowdsourcing research app dedicated to developing our understanding of the fascinating creatures. Download @EchidnaCSI to participate in research of our spikey friends!

Back to the journal