A remarkable fossil discovery has confirmed that giant echidnas once roamed Victoria during the Ice Age, reshaping understanding of Australia’s prehistoric wildlife. The specimen, a partial skull unearthed in 1907 from a cave near Buchan in East Gippsland, had sat unrecognised in the Museums Victoria collection for decades before being identified as belonging to the extinct species ‘Megalibgwilia owenii’. The finding provides the first direct evidence of the species in the region, extending its known historical range.

Tim Ziegler played a pivotal role in the breakthrough, identifying the fossil while reviewing historical specimens. He described the discovery as a significant piece of the puzzle in reconstructing Victoria’s ancient ecosystems, demonstrating how even long-forgotten artefacts can lead to major scientific advances. His work highlights the enduring value of museum collections in uncovering new insights from old finds.

The research indicates that these giant echidnas were substantially larger than their modern relatives, reaching up to a metre in length and weighing as much as 15 kilograms. Their presence in Gippsland suggests the region once supported a rich Ice Age environment alongside other megafauna, and fills a major geographical gap in the species’ previously known distribution across Australia.

Researchers say the discovery also underscores the importance of revisiting archival collections with modern techniques such as 3D analysis. Ziegler noted that cave systems like those around Buchan act as natural time capsules, and that further discoveries could still be hidden in both the landscape and museum archives, offering new opportunities to better understand Australia’s ancient past. ABC article 14/04/26