The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is found throughout Australia. It is one of only three monotreme species in the world - it lays, eggs, is warm-blooded and has a highly specialized reproductive system to facilitate both the production of eggs and milk. br/br/The ecidna repels predators by curling into a ball and deterring opponents with its spines, and also may dig itself into the earth with its' extremely strong front limbs and claws. Despite these spines they are preyed on by birds, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, snakes, goannas, cats and foxes.