Latest news with #echidna
ABC News
18-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Eddie the echidna released after surviving swim from Bribie Island to the mainland
A juvenile echidna which is believed to have completed an epic one-kilometre swim in waters off Queensland's Sunshine Coast has been released back into the wild. The female echidna, nicknamed Eddie, was returned to bushland on Wednesday afternoon after spending weeks in care. Eddie captured the imagination of residents after she was found in an exhausted state on a rock wall at Golden Beach last month. The echidna was believed to be the same one spotted a few weeks earlier stranded on the battered tip of Bribie Island where the ocean has broken through in three places since 2022. Eddie was released at Lighthouse Reach, about 5km south of the breakthroughs, with the location selected to give the native animal the best chance of survival. The release was coordinated by Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Board (PPCMB) spokesperson Jen Kettleton-Butler and licensed wildlife carer Sybelle Foxcroft, with support from the Caloundra Coast Guard. "The last time I saw her, she was on her last legs. She is [now] looking fit as a fiddle," Ms Kettleton-Butler said. Caloundra resident Dave Cairns found the echidna lying on its back against a rock wall on May 24. He contacted Ms Kettleton-Butler, who had previously filmed what appeared to be the same echidna during erosion inspections on Bribie Island. The animal was taken to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where she was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia — a condition linked to water inhalation. Eddie required round-the-clock care in the hospital's intensive care unit, with a spokesperson saying she had "quickly stolen the hearts of everyone here". While it's a rare sight, echidnas are able to swim by using their back feet to paddle and steer themselves and using their tiny snouts like a snorkel. Wildlife experts believe the animal may have been swept off the island by rising tides, or could have entered the water in search of food. Before the rescue, Ms Kettleton-Butler and Ms Foxcroft had conducted dusk searches along the isolated northern spit, concerned for the echidna's safety as the land continued to erode. The echidna was not located at the time, but other wildlife, including reptiles and small marsupials, were observed on the ever-shrinking tip, which is now approximately 400 metres long and 20 metres wide. Coastal scientists monitoring the site have warned the entire tip could be lost over time, along with the reptiles and small marsupials that still inhabit it. "Eddie is our ray of hope," Ms Kettleton-Butler said. The state government recently allocated $20 million for urgent repair works to the island, which also acts as a natural barrier against storm surges for low-lying communities on the mainland. The works will involve pumping approximately 100,000 cubic metres of sand to infill the two most recent breakthroughs triggered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year. An inner sandbank will also be constructed inside the first breakthrough, caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth in 2022. The sandbank is aimed at reducing the wave energy entering the Pumicestone Passage. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said Caloundra residents had been "rightly concerned about community impacts". "We are taking swift action to ensure they are protected," Mr Bleijie said. Ms Kettleton-Butler said it was a "bandaid" ahead of the next storm season. "These are just sacrificial sand dunes. If we get hit by a storm, there's no doubt they'll get washed away," she said. "But the whole idea is that these are the temporary measures that they can implement right now while we design the long-term solution, [which] is going to take a lot of planning, a lot of community consultation, and also a fair bit to get through the approval process."
South China Morning Post
01-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Ancient aquatic origins of echidnas revealed by Australian scientists
A team of Australian and international scientists believe many of the echidna's unusual traits were developed millions of years ago when its ancestors lived in the water. This is based on the results of a study announced in April. Echidnas and the semi-aquatic platypus are believed to have evolved from a common ancestor called Kryoryctes cadburyi that lived in Australia more than 100 million years ago. Echidnas and platypuses are monotremes, a rare group of mammals that lay eggs instead of live young. Palaeontologist Suzanne Hand said that echidnas had fragile bone walls that made it easier to walk on land. Hand is a palaeontologist at the University of New South Wales. This shows that echidnas came from an ancestor living in water but evolved to live on land. It was far more common for prehistoric mammals to go from land to water, Hand said, pointing towards seals, whales, dolphins and dugongs. Echidnas have hind feet that point backwards. That helped them move lots of soil when burrowing. Hand said that the echidna's ancestor might have first used these feet like rudders to move through fast water. Echidnas also have a 'diving reflex' when they go underwater. This tells their body to conserve oxygen to help them hold their breath for longer. Agence France-Presse
ABC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Janel Shorthouse
Although known to be capable swimmers, a potential one-kilometre ocean swim by an echidna has landed it in hospital. 3h ago 3 hours ago Sat 24 May 2025 at 8:48am Flu infections across the state are already 36 per cent higher than this time last year and health authorities are warning of a tough winter ahead. Thu 22 May Thu 22 May Thu 22 May 2025 at 9:51am Researchers believe experiences of awe — often triggered by hearing whales rather than just seeing them — can inspire intentions to recycle more, reduce waste and support ocean conservation efforts. Thu 15 May Thu 15 May Thu 15 May 2025 at 1:11am The world's best bodysurfers flocked to the Sunshine Coast to push the limits of the sport. Among them was Australian Olympic legend Susie O'Neill. Fri 9 May Fri 9 May Fri 9 May 2025 at 5:35am A community environment group has found wildlife on an isolated section of land cut off from Bribie Island and fears coastal erosion will destroy its habitat. Wed 30 Apr Wed 30 Apr Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 3:55am Former Australian Test cricketer and television host Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison yet has walked free after already serving more than a year in custody. Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr 2025 at 8:44am Tewantin man Bradley Donald Towle, 41, allegedly behind Monday's fatal crash and a string of carjackings, has been charged with 15 offences. He will appear in court on Wednesday. Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr 2025 at 4:32am The LNP repeatedly promised to have trains running directly to Maroochydore by the 2032 Olympics but the rail line will now end about 13 kilometres away. Tue 25 Mar Tue 25 Mar Tue 25 Mar 2025 at 8:16pm With Cyclone Alfred approaching, the Mooloolaba Triathlon has been cancelled after the council revoked its permit. Tue 4 Mar Tue 4 Mar Tue 4 Mar 2025 at 4:31am Despite raising over $100,000 per bus, some communities are still waiting for Sleepbuses to become operational, leading to fears about the project's future. Wed 27 Nov Wed 27 Nov Wed 27 Nov 2024 at 9:57pm The Freeman siblings escaped the blaze with just the clothes they were wearing after feeling the heat and smelling smoke from the cabin next door. Tue 12 Nov Tue 12 Nov Tue 12 Nov 2024 at 5:51am In 2020, Labor turned two long-held blue seats red in the state's south east. Caloundra and Nicklin are again setting the scene for another knife-edge battle, which could determine who will hold government. Thu 24 Oct Thu 24 Oct Thu 24 Oct 2024 at 4:42am Girls as young as 14 are considering diets and cosmetic procedures after bouts of cyberbullying, researchers say. Sun 29 Sep Sun 29 Sep Sun 29 Sep 2024 at 1:37am Rangers say dingoes were loitering near a large family group fishing off the beach moments before a girl was attacked by a male dog on K'gari. Sat 17 Aug Sat 17 Aug Sat 17 Aug 2024 at 9:47pm In preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, organisers of the Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba are aiming to double the number of entrants to 25,000, in a move that would see the course shift location. Fri 16 Aug Fri 16 Aug Fri 16 Aug 2024 at 10:43pm A Queensland charity has overcome a major setback after its trailer was stolen along with thousands of dollars' worth of clothing and sleeping bags, just hours before they were due to be donated to homeless people. Mon 29 Jul Mon 29 Jul Mon 29 Jul 2024 at 6:49am Renowned for its multi-million-dollar wedding industry, Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland hopes to add stargazing to its tourism drawcard. Sun 9 Jun Sun 9 Jun Sun 9 Jun 2024 at 5:29am The owners of a pet cat shot with an air rifle urge others to speak up about animal cruelty so perpetrators can be brought to justice. Wed 29 May Wed 29 May Wed 29 May 2024 at 7:39am The Federal Court grants an extension so the airline can try and avoid liquidation, meaning employees will remain stood down without pay and unable to accept other work for a further two months. Mon 27 May Mon 27 May Mon 27 May 2024 at 1:55am A drone with beefed up surveillance that can fly higher, further and faster than previous models is deployed to help protect the reef from outlaw anglers. Mon 15 Apr Mon 15 Apr Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 11:52pm The use and sale of a popular style of yabby net that a conservationist says regularly traps other wildlife could be banned, which would bring Queensland into line with other states. Fri 5 Apr Fri 5 Apr Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 1:07am Campers across south-east Queensland are not letting the threat of sodden days dampen their spirits ahead of the Easter long weekend. Thu 28 Mar Thu 28 Mar Thu 28 Mar 2024 at 12:22am Peter Lang, who was a prominent radio host on the Sunshine Coast, has been found guilty of charges including carnal knowledge of a girl under 16. Wed 13 Mar Wed 13 Mar Wed 13 Mar 2024 at 6:28am The iconic Noosa hinterland mountain race has been axed following a dispute between the organisers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Sun 10 Mar Sun 10 Mar Sun 10 Mar 2024 at 3:21am A marine scientist says her experience on an old research vessel with women from around the world has brought home the need for greater focus on conservation and female leadership. Wed 6 Mar Wed 6 Mar Wed 6 Mar 2024 at 1:40am
ABC News
24-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
'Stranded' Eddie the echidna thought to have swum from Bribie Island's broken tip
An echidna found washed up on the Caloundra foreshore may have swam more than a kilometre from the isolated northern tip of Bribie Island. Locals and wildlife carers believe the animal may have been swept away overnight during a high tide and say it could be "Eddie", a solitary echidna first spotted several weeks ago on the eroding spit of land. Sunshine Coast resident Dave Cairns discovered the echidna at the base of a rock wall near Golden Beach and said it was alive but appeared to be exhausted. "I think it floated across overnight," he said. "It was about a kilometre from where wildlife's been trapped [on the spit]. "With the tide and swell, it could've easily been swept off." Mr Cairns said in all his years living near the passage he had never seen an echidna in that part of Golden Beach. "Never — not once in 30 years," he said. "It's why I reckon it came from the tip [of Bribie]." The echidna is now receiving veterinary care at Australia Zoo's animal hospital, being treated for exposure to salt water. Licensed wildlife carer Sybelle Foxcroft took the creature in and said the echidna was in a humidicrib receiving oxygen. She has previously taken part in a search of the island's tip to locate any animals that were isolated. Ms Foxcroft said she believed it was the same echidna they had been tracking for several weeks. "Looking at footage, his size and condition, it matches what I'd expect if he'd gone without proper food," she said. Where the echidna was found is a densely populated area with apartment buildings and foreshore infrastructure, with little suitable ground for echidnas to burrow or shelter. Dr Kate Dutton-Regester, a wildlife conservationist and lecturer at the University of Queensland, said echidnas were capable swimmers, though it was not often seen. While typically found around freshwater sources, she said echidnas could plausibly travel some distance in salt water, particularly if assisted by currents. Dr Dutton-Regester said the symptoms described were consistent with salt water exposure. She said the echidna could have been swept off the island or may have entered the water voluntarily, but she could not confirm whether it came from the tip of Bribie Island. "We're at the beginning of echidna breeding season," Dr Dutton-Regester said. "If it's a male they often roam more widely in search of a mate." Dr Javier Leon, a coastal erosion expert from the University of the Sunshine Coast, said recent conditions may have already displaced some animals. "We have had a large swell from the east the last two days that might have contributed to further erosion and, potentially, the wash-over of wildlife," he said. He said the area had already been severely damaged following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in February and warned it would become uninhabitable for animals. Jen Kettleton-Butler from the Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Body (PPCMB) also travelled to the tip with a wildlife carer at sunset last week in an effort to locate Eddie, but they were unable to find the animal. Animals including goannas, lizards, snakes and small marsupials have recently been observed on the isolated section. Ms Kettleton-Butler said the spit, cut off by two tidal breakthroughs, now measured about 30-40 metres wide and 300-400 metres long and appeared to be shrinking with every high tide. When first contacted the Department of Environment said it had not seen any evidence of worsening impacts on wildlife at the northern tip of Bribie Island that would justify intervention. The statement said the animals in the area were considered to be adapted to rapidly changing coastal conditions. The department has been approached for further comment following the discovery of the echidna at Golden Beach. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie previously said he would request expert coastal engineers to urgently investigate the erosion and assess potential risks to wildlife.
The Guardian
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Echidna mothers change their pouch microbiome to protect tiny ‘pink jelly bean' puggles, new research finds
When echidna mothers nurse their young, known as puggles, the microbiome of their pouch changes to protect their babies in their first weeks of life, new research has found. These first few weeks are critical for puggles. At this early developmental stage, they are tiny – roughly the size of a 5-cent coin – and vulnerable. 'They can't see and they don't have a functional immune system,' said Isabella Wilson, lead author of the study published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology. Echidnas lay their eggs into a temporary pouch, which they create by contracting their abdominal muscles. After about 10 days, puggles hatch from their eggs looking like, in Wilson's words, 'little pink jelly beans'. During lactation, probiotic bacteria in the echidna's pouch increases, which the University of Adelaide researchers suggested offers protection to puggles and their developing immune systems. The reproductive biology of the echidna is unique in many respects, Wilson said. Monotremes – echidnas and platypus – share a lot of 'weird features', she said. As well as laying eggs, they lack nipples. So instead of suckling, puggles rub their beaks against a part of the pseudo-pouch called the milk patch, causing milk to come out of the mother's skin. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email This milk, which is sometimes pink, has barely any lactose compared to that of most other animals. 'The young hang out there [in the pseudo-pouch] for a few months, drink up a lot of milk,' Wilson said. 'Then, when they start to grow spines, they get turfed out of the pouch into the nursery burrow – where they continue to feed off mum for about 200 days.' An echidna's pouch is only temporary – it is there while a puggle is inside. Healesville Sanctuary echidna keeper Craig McQueen, who was not involved in the research, agreed puggles generally stayed there for six to seven weeks, until their spines became 'too prickly' for mum. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion He said echidnas were curious animals that invested a lot of time into raising their young. When they hatch out of their grape-sized egg, puggles are furless, blind and 'basically looked like they shouldn't have been born yet', he said – which is why they need the 'extra developmental time' in the pouch. The paper explains that the reproductive microbiome, 'which includes vaginal, milk, and mammary microbiota, is increasingly being recognised for its contributions to infant health'. And in monotremes and marsupials, this extends to the pouch. Researchers analysed bacteria present on swabs from both captive animals at Taronga Zoo and wild echidnas on Kangaroo Island. They found that the pouch's microbiome underwent significant changes during lactation, with an increase in lactic acid bacteria typically thought of as probiotic. They found no major difference between the microbiomes of the zoo-managed and wild animals. Wilson said this suggested that milk, rather than any external factors, is the primary element shaping the pouch environment.
