Gives a physical description and what its footprints look like. Echidnas are 30 cm to 45 cm in length and weigh between 2 kg and 5 kg with Tasmanian animals being larger than their Australian mainland counterparts. The body, with the exception of the underside, face and legs, is covered with cream coloured spines. These spines, which reach 50 mm in length, are in fact modified hairs. Insulation is provided by fur between the spines which ranges in colour from honey to a dark reddishbrown and even black. The fur of the Tasmanian subspecies is thicker and longer than that of echidnas in warmer mainland areas and therefore often conceals the spines.

Address: GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001
Telephone: 03 6233 6556
Website: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter/nsf/WebPages/BHAN-5357K5