Observations of daily activity patterns in two captive short-nosed echidnas,Tachyglossus aculeatus

Daily activity patterns of a pair of short-nosed echidnas, Tachyglossus aculeatus, at the Topeka Zoo were observed once monthly for 1 year. These echidnas remained primarily nocturnal throughout the year. In observations when both echidnas exhibited extended periods of activity (5 hours or more) there was a high correlation in times activity began between the two animals. Activity patterns varied throughout the year possibly associated with changes in temperature and/or photoperiod. Diel temperature changes and noise levels did not appear to be major factors influencing activity in this study.