....curled up in defence
Tachyglossus aculeatus
The short-beaked Echidna, like the Platypus, belongs to the peculiar order of monotremes. They are mammals who lay eggs and suckle their young through milk excreted from ducts (rather than teats) on the mothers’ belly. Echidnas manage to survive throughout Australia, wherever there are termites and ants, which are their diet.
Their spines are an excellent defence against predators, but unfortunately not against road vehicles.
Average dimensions of the Wildlings are 65 mm x 45 mm.