Short-beaked Echidna

The Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) grows up to 44 cm long and has a rounded body that is covered in sharp spines, with fur in between. They are an unusual type of egg-laying mammal known as a monotreme that are only found in Australia and New Guinea. Echidnas are shy and move slowly and carefully but when disturbed they will quickly dig into the ground, leaving only their protective spines exposed.