Finding Joy in Our Native Treasures: A Close Encounter with an Echidna
Walking through our local parks these days, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life, forgetting about the remarkable creatures that share our urban spaces. Recently, a stunning photograph of an echidna caught my attention online, and it sparked some thoughts about these fascinating monotremes that have called this continent home for millions of years.
The photo captured something rarely seen - the soulful eyes of an echidna peering directly into the camera. There’s something deeply moving about seeing these typically shy creatures up close. Most of us are used to glimpsing only their spiky backs as they waddle away or curl into a defensive ball when startled.
The comments on this particular photo really struck a chord with me. People were universally captivated by the echidna’s expressive face, with many noting its seemingly melancholic expression. It reminded me of the time my family and I spotted one near the Dandenong Ranges, nose to the ground, completely absorbed in its search for ants. My kid was absolutely mesmerized, watching it from a respectful distance.
These remarkable creatures have survived virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs, yet they’re perfectly adapted to modern conditions. They’re one of only two egg-laying mammals in the world (the other being their cousin, the platypus), making them truly special residents of our urban bushland.
Speaking of urban spaces, it’s worth noting how fortunate we are that echidnas have managed to adapt to our expanding cities. While walking through Warrandyte State Park last spring, I spotted several telltale signs of echidna activity - small cone-shaped holes in the ground where they’d been foraging. It’s heartening to see these ancient animals continuing to thrive despite urban development.
The popularity of this photo online shows just how much people connect with our native wildlife. Maybe it’s these small encounters that remind us of our responsibility to protect these unique creatures. While development continues to encroach on natural habitats, we need to ensure our planning includes wildlife corridors and protected spaces where these spiky friends can continue their ancient ways.
Looking at those gentle eyes in the photograph, it’s hard not to feel a deep connection to these remarkable survivors. They might look a bit sad or sleepy to our human eyes, but they’re perfectly content doing what they’ve done for millions of years - slowly wandering about, searching for their next meal of ants or termites.
Perhaps we could all take a lesson from the humble echidna - slowing down occasionally, taking time to appreciate our surroundings, and remembering that we share this space with some truly extraordinary creatures.
Next time you’re out walking and spot one of these spiky locals, take a moment to appreciate just how special they are. Just remember to keep your distance and let them go about their business. After all, they’ve been doing it successfully for millions of years without our help.