The echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is a monotreme widely distributed across Australia and New Guinea. It inhabits forests, arid areas, and farmland, using burrows and the nests of other animals. The spines on its back are made of keratin and serve as protection. Using its snout and long tongue, it mainly feeds by licking up ants and termites. It has a well-developed sense of smell, is solitary in behavior, and hibernates from autumn to spring. The female lays a single egg, raises it in a pouch, and later nurses the young in a nest. There has been no major decline across its range, and the IUCN lists it as Least Concern.