A fossil stored in a museum collection for more than a century has revealed that giant echidnas once lived in Victoria, expanding their known range across Australia.
The specimen belongs to Owen’s giant echidna, known scientifically as Megalibgwilia owenii. This extinct species lived during the Pleistocene epoch, which began about 2.5 million years ago. Researchers say the animal grew to about one metre in length and weighed up to 15 kilograms (3.31 pounds), making it nearly twice the size of modern echidnas.
The fossil had remained unrecognized in storage for decades. Its identification now confirms that giant echidnas were present in Victoria, filling a major gap in their distribution across the continent.
Fossil hidden in plain sight
The breakthrough came when Tim Ziegler examined a small bone fragment in 2021. He is the collection manager of vertebrate palaeontology at the Museums Victoria Research Institute.
The fragment had been collected in 1907 from Foul Air Cave in the Buchan cave complex in East Gippsland. It measured only slightly longer than a finger and had likely been mistaken for part of a small kangaroo.
A closer inspection revealed key features. The fossil showed a curved palate and internal air passages, identifying it as part of an echidna’s beak. Its size pointed to a much larger species than those living today.
Scientific confirmation through analysis
Researchers used 3D scans of modern and fossil echidna specimens from museum collections across Australia to confirm the finding. The comparisons supported the identification.
A fossil hidden in a museum for 100+ years has revealed a surprising truth: giant echidnas once roamed across Australia, including Victoria.
Nearly twice the size of today’s echidnas, these powerful animals could dig deep and tear into tree bark for food.#Fossils #Australia pic.twitter.com/tadYOSAQmp
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) April 14, 2026
Historical records further verified the fossil’s origin. Archival research showed it had been collected by museum officer Frank Spry during an expedition more than a century ago.
A stronger build suggests powerful feeding
Scientists say Owen’s giant echidna was similar in size to modern long-beaked echidnas, known as Zaglossus, which live today in New Guinea. However, its skeleton was more robust.
Its limb bones show strong muscle attachments, suggesting it could exert greater force than modern echidnas. Researchers believe the animal used this strength to dig for food such as insect larvae and beetles. It may also have fed on insects like bogong moths or torn tree bark to reach hidden prey.
Fossils map a continent-wide presence
Fossils of the species have previously been found in New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. During the Pleistocene, Tasmania was likely connected to mainland Australia by a land bridge, allowing animals to move freely.
Until now, Victoria had remained a missing link. The discovery shows that giant echidnas likely lived across a much broader area of Australia than previously understood.
Old collections yield discoveries
Researchers say the finding highlights the importance of re-examining museum collections. Specimens stored for decades can still reveal important evidence about ancient life.
The discovery adds to growing knowledge of Australia’s prehistoric ecosystems, which once supported a wide range of large and specialized mammals that are now extinct.
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