Patterns of hibernation of echidnas in Tasmania

We present new data showing detailed records of the patterns of hibernation and reproduction of fret: living echidnas. As in other hibernators echidnas show periodic arousals the frequency of which changes with the season. These periodic arousals appear to be triggered by rises in ambient temperature, acid although solitary, echidnas in the study area tend to arouse at the same lime. Males enter hibernation in late summer or early autumn, and the final arousal occurs at about the winter solstice. Reproductive females enter and arouse from hibernation slightly Inter than males, mating nearly immediately on arousal while non-reproductive animals may hibernate until October. This means that adult echidnas are active and foraging during the coldest part of the year.