Paleontologists have uncovered fossil evidence of a giant extinct echidna species in Victoria, Australia, that was roughly the size of a small child. The discovery, published in Australian Geographic, sheds new light on the diversity of ancient monotremes.
The fossilized remains, estimated to be several million years old, suggest the echidna weighed approximately 30 kilograms and measured over a meter in length. “This find dramatically changes our understanding of monotreme evolution,” said a lead researcher from Museums Victoria, who requested anonymity pending formal publication.
Modern echidnas weigh between 2-7 kg. The newly discovered species, temporarily designated Megaechidna victoriensis, would have been among the largest monotremes to ever exist. Its discovery in Victoria’s fossil-rich strata confirms the region was once home to diverse megafauna.
Analysts suggest climate change during the Pleistocene epoch may have contributed to the species’ extinction. Further study of the fossil could provide insights into how modern echidnas adapted to survive when their giant relatives did not.