2013 Bush Babies, Echidna PNC. The echidna, like the platypus, is an egg-laying mammal. There are only two species of echidna, one found in the highlands of New Guinea, and a smaller species that lives in Australia and also in New Guinea. Most of the echidna's short, stocky body is covered with long pointed spines which act as a form of protection, for when under threat, it will pull its head in and curl up into a ball with its spines on show. Its main predators are dogs , eagles and dingos, The echidna is a largely solitary animal using its sense of smell to locate one another during the breeding season. PNC features commemorative $1 coin and $2.60 stamp.