BREEDING ECHIDNAS IN CAPTIVITY

Abstract

This project aims to provide novel insights into the cryptic and secretive mode of the reproduction of echidnas, and enable development of reliable methods for breeding them in captivity. There has not been a sustainable breeding program for echidnas in any zoo world-wide. This is needed because most studies on echidnas have all been field-based, and so not open to manipulation to answer key questions relevant to their conservation and survival. Using novel scientific results on the short-beaked echidna, the project will provide new knowledge relevant to monotreme conservation, research and education, and enable the development of reliable methods for breeding the critically endangered, long..