The WWF in conjunction with Greening Australia has set up motion sensors on cameras in Northam, WA, about 100km west of Perth. Have a look at the video below to see what they have found.
From the WWF site;
“WWF staff have been using motion-triggered cameras (better known as camera traps) to capture images of a range of wildlife, including seldom-seen animals. The Healthy Bushland team has found that camera traps are creating new interest and passion amongst landholders, and are helping to show just how important it is to preserve these valuable remnants of bushland in WA’s wheatbelt.”
What fantastic animals! I have only seen Echidnas in the zoo or at Healsville Sanctuary. The video may only be 41 seconds, but it made an impact on me!
That is so cool!
I’ve seen the odd wild Echidna here and there, but never in a group like that. My parents live a street away from a decent sized nature reserve in Watsonia – there’s kangaroos in there and I once saw a lone echidna so I guess that’s why I thought they were solitary animals..
They are cool!! I’ve only seen Echidnas in the artificially created environment too but those wild ones are far better to see their real behaviors. I was surprised when I was told that those spiky things on their back were actually ‘hairs’. I wish I could have a couple of them as pets. They are so cute!! I don’t mind them eating all ants in my backyard. I have a bad invasion in my house this year.
That’s a very cool video – I’ve never seen so many echidnas together in the wild!
We’ve got one little fellow that wanders through our block regularly, on his way down to the creek. I love his waddly little walk. I once stood still to watch him, and he walked right up and licked my boot before wandering off.
In the US (and I guess here, although I’ve not seen them), you can buy motion-triggered cameras for placing on game trails. Hunters use them to work out what animals are around, what time of day, etc so they can plan their hunt. I’d love to buy one and set it up in different places around our block to see what wanders in. Might even be able to get the jump on Mr Fox!
Thank you so much for sharing. I live in Perth and didn’t even realise that echidnas were so close to the city.
That has made my day.
Our family farm down the coast has echidnas, I couldn’t count how many I’ve seen over the years! They really are gorgeous creatures, my cherub loves them.
WOW! That is fantastic to see.
Sincerely, Emily
I had never even heard of an echidna before today! They look similar to the porcupines that we occasionally see here on the west coast of the U.S. 😉