Australian echidna fossils are exceptionally rare and show an uneven distribution across time and geography. In a recent study, published in The Alcheringa, Australian Journal of Paleontology, paleontologists detailed parts of a skull belonging to Owen’s giant echidna (Megalibgwilia oweni), discovered in southeastern Australia. This specimen, found at Foul Air Cave in the Buchan Caves Reserve, East Gippsland, marks the first evidence of an extinct species in Victoria, which was previously unrepresented in the fossil record.
First highlighted in the 1990s, Megalibgwilia owenii reached lengths of up to 1 meter and weighed around 15 kg.
This species’ absence in Victoria was notable, especially given its identified presence across Australia, from Western Australia to Tasmania and southern New South Wales.
The newly described specimens help bridge this gap, indicating a potentially more continuous range for the species than previously documented.
This fossil includes a fragment of a skull and is part of the Museum Victoria Paleontology Collection.
Dr. Tim Ziegler, the collections manager for vertebrate palaeontology at Museums Victoria Research Institute, discovered this specimen in 2021 and utilized historical archives to confirm its recovery from a 1907 expedition to Foulair Cave, led by museum staff and naturalist Frank Spry.
“Museum collections serve as a link between science, heritage, and communities,” Dr. Ziegler noted.
“Over a century ago, Spry, alongside scientists and local residents, explored the Buchan caves using only ropes and kerosene lamps, inspiring us to continue this vital research.”
Dr. Ziegler and Deakin University student Jeremy Lockett emphasized that this discovery underscores the importance of reevaluating historical collections, as they can yield new insights long after specimens were first collected.
Further exploration of museum collections and fossil remains is crucial for enhancing our understanding of ancient echidna diversity and their distribution during the Quaternary period.
“Previous research by Museums Victoria has demonstrated that Buchan Caves hold an exceptional record of Australia’s ancient megafauna, including species such as Simosthenurus occidentalis and the giant marsupial Parokestes azael,” Dr. Ziegler added.
“The next remarkable find may arise from within a museum, through ongoing fieldwork, or from the discerning eyes of citizen scientists. We eagerly anticipate future discoveries.”
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Tim Ziegler and Jeremy Lockett. First Victorian record of Owen’s giant echidna Megalibgwilia oweni from Buchan Caves, East Gippsland, Australia. The Alcheringa, published online on April 13, 2026. doi: 10.1080/03115518.2026.2643598
Source: www.sci.news
