Reproductive strategies of the short-beaked echidna - a review with new data from a long-term study on the Tasmanian subspecies (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 02:00authored byMorrow, GE, Andersen, NA, Stewart Nicol
The short-beaked echidna is the most widely distributed endemic Australian mammal, and echidnas from different geographic areas differ so much in appearance that they have been assigned to several subspecies. In this paper, we present data obtained from free-ranging echidnas in southern Tasmania, and compare this with studies from other parts of Australia. In Tasmania mating occurs between early June and mid-September, and throughout Australia the normal breeding season lies within these limits. In echidnas from the more easterly parts of Australia reproduction closely follows hibernation, with Tasmanian echidnas showing a significant overlap between hibernation and reproduction. There is intense competition between males, and female echidnas from Tasmania show multiple matings. There are significant differences between echidnas from different areas of Australia in the use of nursery burrows and maternal care. One of the most dramatic differences is in duration of lactation: echidnas from Kangaroo Island wean the young at 204–210 days, but in Tasmania weaning occurs at 139–152 days, even though the masses of the young at weaning are comparable.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of Zoology
Volume
57
Issue
4
Pagination
275-282
ISSN
0004-959X
Department/School
School of Natural Sciences
Publisher
C S I R O Publishing
Place of publication
150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia