Echidnas and emus lining up at Boyagin

Sightings of emus and elusive echidna trains have sparked excitement at Boyagin and the Dryandra Wildlife Reserve.

Last week, Numbat Task Force founder Sean Van Alphen took a photo of an emu and its chicks in Boyagin.

According to Mr Van Alphen, the emu “became extinct in places like Boyagin and Dryandra some years ago”.

Conservationist Chris Stewart said it was good to see the emus return.

“That photo was probably the first reported sighting of emus at Boyagin Rock,” he said.

“I was talking to one of the property owners in Boyagin and they said the last time they saw an emu was probably 10 years ago.”

Mr Stewart said prior to clearing for farming practices, emus would have moved through the area a lot.

He said conservationists were also excited about several sightings of echidna trains in the area.

“It’s basically where a female releases this scent and a line of males will follow her around for weeks,” he said.

“I’ve heard of trains of up to seven echidnas long.

“They’re pretty rare but it has been something we’ve been seeing more of in Dryandra and I’m quite jealous because it’s something I’ve always wanted to see.”