Short-beaked Echidna
Tachyglossus aculeatus

The Short-beaked Echidna is one of three species of echidna and the only one found in Australia (the other two are found on New Guinea). They are one of Australia's best-known mammals, even appearing on the 5c coin, and are one of the few remnants of the most primitive mammal groups - the monotremes. Unlike other mammals, they lay eggs and when the young hatch, they are carried in a pouch for a while. They feed on ants and termites, for which they are highly specialised and will also feed on other invertabrates. Echidnas get to their prey by tearing opens nests and rotten wood, or digging, with their powerful claws. They can be found in the day or at night across the whole of Australia in a variety of habitats.
 

1: Thirlmere, NSW, 09/10/2011.