Keep dogs on leads to protect baby echidnas

Published on 02 November 2026

Baby echidnas are hidden snugly in their mother’s pouches on the slopes of Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf.

Known as willing allik by the Djargurd Whurrong traditional owners, echidnas' breed between July and September.

After successfully mating, the female lays a single egg from which a baby – known as a puggle – hatches in about 10 days. It will stay in the mother’s pouch for up to 60 days.

Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf Management Committee Chair Caroline Duynhoven encouraged dog walkers to keep the wildlife safe by having their pets on lead at the Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf reserves.

“The mounts are wonderful places for people and their dogs to enjoy the walking trails and stunning views and see native wildlife in its natural habitat.

"But it's important that everyone follows a few simple guidelines to help protect the special places and the wildlife that calls them home."

“Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times throughout the reserves. Even the most friendly and well-behaved dog can unintentionally disturb wildlife.

"Kangaroos may defend themselves if they feel threatened, which can put both dogs and their owners at risk.

“Snakes usually keep to themselves, but a curious dog following its nose can run into trouble.”

Ms Duynhoven also reminded visitors to carry bags and clean up after their pets to help protect the unique wildlife and natural environment that make the iconic reserves such a special place to visit.

Native animals are gradually returning to Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf after 30 years of revegetation.

Since the first Mt Leura & Mt Sugarloaf Management Plan in the 1990s, planting native flora has created natural habitat for a wide range of species.

Mammals include swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, koalas, ringtail and brushtail possums, echidnas, swamp rats and chocolate wattled bats.

Birdwatchers can keep an eye out for honeyeaters, fairy-wrens, thornbills, fantails, scrubwrens, finches, pardalotes, whistlers and shrike-thrush, tawny frogmouths and maybe a grey goshawk or southern boobook.

There are also amphibians like southern brown tree frogs and spotted and striped marsh frogs, and reptiles including blue-tongued lizards, copperheads and tiger snakes.

For more information about the Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf Reserves, visit mtleura.org.au or call Council on 5593 7100.