Thirsty Echidna
A thirsty Echidna after three days of around 43C daytime heat and min. 30C night time temps. 1st Feb 2009, near Yarra Glen, Victoria. This was a record breaking heatwave being three consecutive days above 40C.
Echidnas obtain most of their water needs from the
animals they eat (mainly termites) but they will also occasionally drink from pools or lick droplets of water from plants moistened by dew or rain. Short-beaked Echidnas are typically active in the daytime, however, they are ill-equipped to deal with heat, because they have no sweat glands and do not pant. Therefore, in warm weather they change their pattern of activity, becoming active at dawn or dusk or nocturnal. They can tolerate cold temperatures, and hibernate during the winter in very cold regions.
Unfortunately many possums nesting in tree hollows and house roofs have suffered in this recent heatwave. The RSPCA were inundated with dehydrated possums and other animals. Brushtail possums were seen desperately drinking seawater on coastal beaches.
Heat Stressed Wildlife – What to do: RSPCA
100% of profits from sale of this image will go to WRAP (Wildlife Rescue and Protection Incorporated.
Thirsty Echidna belongs to the following groups:
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dinghysailor1
aw poor things – a superb capture!! brilliant work
:))
:)
velveteagle
This is not just a fantastic capture Ern.. You have a story and image of life on Earth.. I would vote this as one of the top photo’s with story of my life.. Bravo.. And write this up and send out to National Geographic if you can get them to talk to you.. Such a moment..
Chuck..
Dragan Petrovic
Wow, cool!
Steven Pearce
An amazing combo here Ern, the imagery and words have great emotional impact. Was this in the Darwin area?
Ern Mainka replied
Hi Steve. Taken last week in Melbourne and the record breaking heatwave.
Carla Jandelle...
I wonder if it would help if people put out water dishes around their properties? Sad to know so many animals are being affected! A fabulous image of a sad occasion…..Is he drinking from a garden pool?
Ern Mainka replied
Yes it would help Carla. It’s a bird bath with cool fresh water topped up often.
DLKeur
Evocative image. Such a sad, sad situation. I wish more people helped all creatures great and small.
Blair Wainman
Powerful image and a powerful story!! Well captured and presented!! (Thanks to Chuck for linking us to this image)!
lorilee
So interesting!!!!! You’re experiencing record heat and we’re experiencing near record cold temps!!! This is a precious image!!
Judi Taylor
Ah poor things. I hope the heat wave ends soon.
Donovan wilson
Nice shot Ern i love these guys.
Sheila Smith
Superb capture, I had no idea it was that hot in Melbourne, nor had it occured to me that animals that are not used to the heat would be dying. So sad.
PigleT
Neat – funny wee beastie, looks like a cross between a porcupine, a mole, a platypus and a rugby ball all at once. ;)
jacqi
Beautiful image of the echidna but it’s so sad to realise the toll on wildlife in the extraordinary temperatures you’re having.
Rambler25
What a great photo of a beautiful critter!
Len Bomba
Wonderful! Superb photo and outstanding writing to accompany it. For those of us who are not from your region, you have educated us with both a wonderful image and informative writing. Thank you! Len
owlspook
it breaks my heart to see animals suffer .. may a peaceful cool and wet rain soon grace your land and bring an easier life back to all (smile)
great capture Ern! (big smile)
Phillip Weyers
Beautiful capture… sad to hear about the plight of our wildlife suffering from the heat and fires.
chriso
What a great capture!
mstinak
amazing photo and thanks for the info on it!
tasadam
Nice one! Great use of the fill flash too.