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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

The Echidna

        The echidna, or Tachyglossidae, are the only monotremes other than the platypus. They are covered with hedgehog-like spines and have an anteater-like proboscis. There are two species: the long-beaked echidna, which is native to the highlands  of Papua New Guinea, and the short-beaked echidna, which is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. They can reach up to 21 inches as an adult. They usually feed on termites. They can weigh up to 13 pounds. Their only natural predators are dogs, eagles, and dingos.