Breeding, and Predators
Long-beaked and short beaked echidnas are animals with a snout modified to form an elongated beak-like organ. They have no teeth, a long protrusible tongue and, in addition to normal hair, they have a number of special hairs on the sides and back which are modified to form sharp spines. The long-beaked species, at 45 to 90 centimeters (18 to 35 inches) in total length and 5 to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 pounds) in weight, is much larger than the short-beaked species, which is only 30 to 45 centimeters (11 to 18 inches) long and 2.5 to 8 kilograms (6 to 18 pounds) in weight. In the short-beaked echidna, males are larger than females. In both species only the male retains the spur on the ankle of each rear leg. Distribution The status of the long-beaked echidna is in doubt, as the area of its distribution is poorly studied. The short-beaked echidna is distributed throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania, where its status can be regarded as common. In Papua New Guinea it is still co...
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