What is an "echidna"?

The echidna, also known as the spiny anteater, is a unique mammal native to Australia and New Guinea. Echidnas have spiky spines covering their back and a long tongue that they use to feed on ants, termites, and other insects. They have a compact body with short limbs, and their spines provide them with excellent protection against predators. Echidnas are known for their ability to lay eggs, which is a rare trait among mammals, and they are one of only five species of monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Echidnas have a specialized snout that they use to forage for food, and their tongue can extend up to 18 cm in length to capture their prey. They are solitary animals and are primarily active during the night. Echidnas are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations that have allowed them to thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts, and they play an important role in their ecosystems as insectivores.