Sir David’s long-beaked echidna

Sir David's long-beaked echidna is one of four species of echidnas, which are egg-laying mammals belonging to the order Monotremata. These unique creatures are found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. Echidnas possess a distinctive tubular beak used for sensing prey and a body covered in spines. They have a low body temperature and are sensitive to extreme heat.12

Sir David's long-beaked echidna, scientifically known as Zaglossus attenboroughi, is found in a small highland forest area in Indonesia's Cyclops Mountains. It is distinguished by its smaller size and shorter, straighter beak compared to other long-beaked echidnas. This species is critically endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.1