In 2013/14 the North Head Sanctuary Foundation did a year long survey census of echidnas on North Head. They identified 18 adult echidnas, which is considered a very high number for the 300ha area. Echidnas have a very strict diet of ants and other select ground dwelling insects, often traveling several km to satisfy their needs. Using photo survey mapping the study assessed where they were living as they searched for food or a mate.

Starting this September the North Head Sanctuary foundation is conducting another census to update and further study our echidna population. This time they are asking visitors to North Head and residents on the Eastern Hill to send a photo of any echidnas they see in the area, along with the location and time of the sighting via email twswombat@iinet.net.au

The photos will be displayed at the North Head Sanctuary Foundation Visitor Centre in Building 20 just up the road from the Parade Ground as the survey progresses.

The best photos used to identify the individual echidnas are those that show the echidna side on so that the colour pattern of its spines and the length of its beak can be seen.

Be patient with the echidna, move slowly and patiently and it may even come up to you and pose for its portrait. For more info check

www.northheadsanctuaryfoundation.org.au

Photo by Enguerrand Blanchy on Unsplash