Celebrating Australia’s Remarkable Echidnas and Citizen Science

The short-beaked echidna is one of Australia’s most unique and elusive creatures, and as the weather warms up, these fascinating animals are becoming more active in the wild. They may be spotted in backyards or crossing roads, and their sightings offer a rare glimpse into the life of one of our country’s most adaptable species.

But did you know that you can help researchers by sharing your echidna sightings? 

The Echidna Conservation Science Initiative (Echidna CSI), a project led by Professor Frank Grützner of the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, has developed an innovative app to connect with the public, gather valuable data, and learn more about echidnas. Since its launch in 2017, Australians have submitted thousands of images, recordings, and even echidna scat, contributing to groundbreaking research on genetics, gut bacteria, and conservation.

Why this matters:
Echidnas are incredibly hard to find in the wild, making research a challenge.
The Kangaroo Island population is endangered due to threats like feral animals and roads.
Understanding their behavior, diet, and habitat will help ensure their protection.

As we head into summer, keep an eye out for these unique creatures. If you spot one, snap a photo (with GPS location) or share any other observations to help scientists track their movements and patterns.

Let’s work together to protect these amazing monotremes! 🌏

Link https://lnkd.in/gUEhYV4P

Image: Rachel Claire