Tachyglossus

Tachyglossus is a genus of monotreme mammals in the family Tachyglossidae, comprising the extant short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). It is one of the two living monotreme genera, the other being Zaglossus (the long-beaked echidnas). Tachyglossus is primarily associated with the Australian region, where the species plays a key role in insect control and soil mixing.

The short-beaked echidna is a medium-sized, spiny mammal with a rounded body, dense fur, and a pointed, elongated snout that forms its beak. It lacks teeth and uses a long, sticky tongue to capture ants and termites. Its forelimbs are strong and equipped with formidable claws for digging, while males possess spurs on the hind legs connected to venom glands, capable of delivering painful venom.

Tachyglossus aculeatus is native to Australia and New Guinea, occupying a wide range of habitats from forests and grasslands to arid zones. They are typically solitary and largely terrestrial, foraging by probing the soil and logs for prey. Their sensory abilities include electroreception to locate prey in darkness or underground.

Reproduction in Tachyglossus follows the monotreme pattern. The female lays a single egg that hatches into a fetal-like young called a puggle, which remains in a temporary pouch or on the mother's fur for protection and feeding. Milk is secreted by mammary glands and absorbed by the young, as echidnas lack nipples.

Conservation status of the short-beaked echidna is generally listed as Least Concern, reflecting its wide distribution and stability, though local threats from habitat loss and vehicle collisions exist in some areas.