Short-beaked echidna
Tachyglossus aculeatus
The Park is home to a healthy population of nyingarn, or short-beaked echidna, one of Australia’s unique sub-class of monotremes. These spiny, egg-laying mammals feeds primarily on ant species.
Spotting an echidna is a special and rare experience, as they are generally only most active within the less accessible woodland areas to the north of the Village. Occasionally they are spotted on a Nocturnal Woylie Walk, as they thrive in the protected habitat of Woodland Reserve, or by very lucky visitors as they cross one of the roads or footpath on their afternoon travels.
If you do see an echidna though, they are just as likely to bury themselves in the ground as continue on their way. You might not immediately think that they are adept diggers, but that is exactly what they are good at. With powerful hind legs and large claws, echidnas can bury themselves into the soft sands of the Swan Coastal Plain in moments. Coupled with their infamous spikes, their defence mechanisms are top class.
The short-beaked echidna is increasingly known as ‘ngingarn’, its local Noongar name.
| Family | Tachyglossidae |
| Scientific name | Tachyglossus aculeatus |
| Noongar name | nyingarn |
| Common name | short beaked echidna |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Habitat | heathlands, woodlands |
| Park occurrence | Resident |