Spike , randy Castle Hill echidna |
There is growing alarm over the election promise by Julie Bishop to provide $650,000 to install lighting up the road to Castle Hill, which has panoramic views of Townsville city and the sea .
Animal lovers have claimed bright lights could lead to the extinction of the rare spiny anteaters which romp about on the rock at night. Also known as echidnas , these vulnerable creatures are covered in many sharp spines , like darts, and have a slender snout .
Wearing dark glasses to protect himself from the bright sun, another macho echidna , above , crawled out from his dark daytime lair to inform a Little Darwin roving reporter, in no uncertain terms , his opposition to the Bishop plan . He urged Ms Bishop to come up and see him one dark night to experience the unique echidna way of life which she is threatening . (Photos by Lady Jane )