First-ever Recording of Echidnas Communicating Unveiled by Curtin University Researchers

Researchers from Curtin University in Australia have recorded the rare sounds of echidnas cooing, grunting, and making other vocalizations during the breeding season, providing evidence that these spiky Australian critters are capable of vocalizing. Previously, it was believed that echidnas only made "sniffing" noises. The discovery of echidna vocalizations helps resolve the scientific debate about when early mammals started using sound to communicate and suggests that acoustic communication likely developed 100 to 200 million years ago. The study also highlights the need for further research to understand the purpose and meaning behind echidna vocalizations.