Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Short-beaked echidna
Scientific name: Tachyglossus aculeatus
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: TACHYGLOSSIDAE
Group: Mammals
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 5 m
Breeding season / Courtship: Toute l'année
Gestation: ~10 jours
Births: ~10 jours
Habitat:
Forests, scrublands and open areas
Description:
The short-beaked echidna is a small monotreme mammal, 30–45 cm long, covered in spines with an elongated head bearing a long tubular snout. Endemic to Australia and New Guinea, it inhabits forests, scrublands and open areas, feeding mainly on ants and termites with its fast, sticky tongue. Solitary, it alternates nocturnal and crepuscular activity phases to avoid heat.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Photograph the short-beaked echidna at dawn or dusk using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm from a low hide. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze its slow movements and shallow depth of field to isolate its spines. Remain silent and patient.
Ready to take action?
Choose your platform and start your free trial today
