Hoover giant echidna fossil

The fossil, which was found in Foul Air Cave, belonged to an echidna roughly the size of a small child.

Researchers re-examined the specimen using modern imaging technology to confirm its identity as a previously unknown extinct species.

This find suggests that Australia's monotremes were once much more diverse and physically imposing than their modern descendants.

The discovery has prompted a renewed interest in re-evaluating other 'hidden' fossils in museum archives across the country.