1. Echidne epineux. 2. Ornythorhynque

Early engraving featuring the Echinda and the Platypus.

The Echidna:

The first sighting and drawing was made on 9th February, 1792 by George Tobin, third lieutenant on Bligh’s second voyage at Adventure Bay. ‘The only animals seen, were the Kangaroo, and a kind of sloth about the size of a roasting pig with a proboscis two or three inches in length’  By July 1792 George Shaw had provided the first scientific description and including it among the giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga, of South America. Several other names were proposed and found to be invalid before Illger coined the name Tachyglossus in 1811.

Modern common names   Short-beaked Echidna, Echidna, Spiny Anteater or Porcupine.

Shaw’s binomial or synonym Myrmecophaga aculeata

Modern binomial name Tachyglossus aculeatus

First described Shaw 1792

Distribution Australia wide (mainland).

Reference The Mammals of Australia, Strahan, 2nd edition. Page: 39-43, ill. 30-31, 39-43  

The Platypus:

The first illustration and description of a Platypus was made on November 1797 on the Hawkesbury River by David Collins. When the first skin sent by John Hunter, reached Europe it was thought to be a hoax. This engraving is from the account of the voyage of exploration under the command of Nicholas Baudin, Voyage de Decouvertes aux Terre d’Australes.

Modern binomial name Ornithorhynchus anatinus

First described Shaw 1799

Distribution SA, VIC, TAS, NSW & QLD

Reference The Mammals of Australia, Strahan, 2nd edition. Page: 36-38, ill.35,36 & 38

 From Cuvier,  Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles