ECHIDNAS

Echidnas are classed as monotremes,
meaning one hole, for their combined genital
and excretory openings. There are two types of
monotremes, the echidna and the platypus,
and both are exclusive to Australia.

The echidna's body is covered with coarse,
hairy spines. It has small ears, and a long,
tubular snout to poke into holes and upturn rocks
in search of ants and termites. It has a long,
sticky tongue to aid in capturing the insects.

The female echidna lays one egg into
an abdominal pouch, that develops toward
the rear of the belly. The egg
hatches in 10 days, but the young echidna
remains in the pouch for six weeks, where it feeds
on milk which is injected from the mammary
glands directly onto the mother's fur,
and runs down into the pouch. The young echidna
remains in the pouch until its spines develop,
at which point the mother gently encourages
it to leave. She continues to watch over her
offspring until it is capable of fending for itself.