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 黑料社区 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

The Future of Reindeer at Risk

An international team of researchers from the University of 黑料社区 and the University of Copenhagen, co-led by Associate Professor Damien Fordham, Environment Institute Deputy Director, sought to understand how reindeer have responded to past environmental change to better predict their chances in a warming future.聽Growing concern surrounds the future of reindeer as additional pressures mount.

Oyster Reef Restoration: Your Chance to Contribute

Oyster reef restoration is looking like the answer we need to combat the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), and now you have the chance to help. Environment Institute Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee recently spoke with ABC Radio 黑料社区 to discuss this great initiative in partnership with OzFish 黑料社区 Chapter, and how volunteering to make oyster baskets will help the Port River flourish once again.

Steps to Clean Up the Algal Bloom

Around 30% of SA鈥檚 coastline is being impacted by a harmful algal bloom driven by heatwaves, nutrient run-off, and upwelling events. According to Environment Institute members Dr Dominic McAfee and Prof Sean Connell, the bloom is far too widespread for large-scale chemical, physical, or microbial trials. Instead, prevention and resilience are key. Oysters in affected areas are feeding on algae, mussels are cleared of toxins, and SA has committed to restoring 15 hectares of shellfish reefs. As climate change fuels more marine heatwaves and floods, HABs will return. Investing in oyster reef restoration and nature-based solutions could future-proof our coasts.

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