Echidna Conservation Science Initiative - Echidna CSI

Echidna CSI is an Australia-wide initiative that is helping to conserve our wild echidnas.

We are a team of world-leading echidna researchers connecting with the community to learn more about these unique creatures.

Thousands of Australians have sent us photos of echidnas through our Echidna CSI app. They have even collected echidna poo for University of Adelaide researchers to use for molecular analysis.

Echidna CSI has collected unprecedented data and material to help ensure the long-term survival of this iconic Australian animal.

Echidna research and conservation

Find out what we do and who we are.

Echidna research

Download the app

See an echidna? Take a photo or video with your smart phone and send us the details!

App details and FAQs

Echidna CSI news

Salt on the rise: What lagoon microbes reveal about the future of coastal ecosystems

When coastal lagoons degrade, it's not the fish that react first, it’s the microbes. Environment Institute member Dr Christopher Keneally has lead new research alongside Professor Justin Brookes, and with University of Adelaide academics Dr Virginie Gaget, Dr Stephen Kidd, Associate Professor Luke Mosley and Dr Daniel Chilton and Associate Professor David Welsh, have contributed to a global review exploring how microbial communities in coastal lagoons respond to rising salinity and nutrient stress. These microbes act as early warning systems, helping us detect and ideally prevent ecosystem collapse.

Professor Phil Cassey on the rising threat of reptile smuggling in Australia

Environment Institute Member and Wildlife Crime Research Hub Director Professor Phill Cassey has commented on the illegal smuggling of reptiles that is occurring in Australia.

Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Supplementary Scholarships Now Available

Seeking six full-time PhD students to each receive an annual $10,000 top-up. Projects cover three priority research areas for woodland recovery in the Mt Lofty Ranges. 

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Image credits: Banner image - Cecilia Webster; 'Download the app' image - Matthew Wilkinson.