Echidnas on the move

Monday, 23 July 2007

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued an alert to drivers due to the large numbers of echidnas killed and injured on roads in recent weeks.

NPWS Community Relations Ranger, Lisa Walker said that wildlife carers have had an overwhelming number of calls in the past few weeks about echidnas.

“Motorists need to keep an eye out for these unique little creatures,” Ms Walker said.

“Winter is a busy time for echidnas. Young males are dispersing to new territories and it is also their breeding season.”

“Echidnas breed in winter and long trains of echidnas are seen following each other. This is called an echidna train.”

“A female is pursued by her admirers who follow on behind her. Sometimes as many as eleven echidnas can be seen following the female in the hope of mating with her, although three to four is more usual.”

“Echidna trains can last anywhere up to six weeks before mating happens. During this time the echidnas can be seen walking, foraging and resting together.”

“The most likely time to catch sight of echidnas is around dusk or dawn when they’re out foraging, although in winter they can also be out in the middle of the day. Echidnas don’t like to get hot and, depending on the temperature, they’ll change from day active to night active.”

“Motorists should also be aware that echidnas have extremely tough spines, capable of piercing the tyres of cars and trucks.”