EchidnaCSI: Engaging the public in research and conservation of the short-beaked echidna.

The short-beaked echidna is an iconic Australian animal and the most-widespread native mammal, inhabiting diverse environments. The cryptic nature of echidnas has limited research into their ecology in most areas; however, from the well-researched and endangered Kangaroo Island echidna population, we understand that the threats include habitat loss, roads, and invasive species. To obtain more information about echidnas Australia-wide, we established the Echidna Conservation Science Initiative (EchidnaCSI) citizen science project.

Body mass, age and sexual maturity in short-beaked echidnas, Tachyglossus aculeatus.

During the course of this 12 year field study body masses of 11 hatchling echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus multiaculeatus) and 25 pouch young between the ages of 5 and 60 days were recorded. Body mass increased from 0.3 to approximately 50 g in the first half of pouch life.

The effect of photoperiod on temperature selection in the European green lizard, Lacerta viridis.

Voluntary body temperature selection of unrestrained Lacerta viridis revealed consistant photoperiod entrained diel patterns. Each daily cycle was characterized by an elevation in body temperature (T ) to a high level plateau which declined at the onset of scotophase to a low level; both of which were maintained within narrow ranges.Under natural photoperiod in fall, lizards responded to shorter days by sinking low level T 's and expanding the duration of these low levels until no rhythmicity was shown.