Rediscovery of 200-Million-Year-Old Long-Beaked Echidna Confirmed

Biologists have recently confirmed the existence of the long-beaked echidna (*Zaglossus attenboroughi*), a species believed to have been extinct for over 60 years. This remarkable rediscovery was announced following an expedition to the Cyclops Mountains in Indonesia, where footage capturing the elusive mammal was obtained in 2023 by researchers from Oxford University. The long-beaked echidna, named in honor of renowned broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, represents a lineage that diverged from other mammals more than 200 million years ago.

The significance of this finding was highlighted in a paper published in the journal *NPJ Biodiversity* in May 2025. The authors of the study emphasized that the long-beaked echidna is one of only five extant species of egg-laying mammals, known as monotremes, which include the platypus and two other echidna species. Historically, the long-beaked echidna was documented last in the 1960s when a dead specimen was discovered. However, evidence of its continued existence has been accumulating over the past few decades.

According to the study, in 2007, researchers identified 'nose pokes'—foraging signs left by echidnas—in the Cyclops Mountains, suggesting their presence. Additionally, indigenous groups have reported sightings of the species in the last 20 years, further indicating that the echidna may not have been extinct after all. In 2017 and 2018, researchers utilized participatory mapping that incorporated indigenous knowledge to evaluate the likelihood of the echidna's survival.

Recent advancements in technology, particularly the use of camera traps, played a crucial role in confirming the echidna’s existence. Camera traps deployed in the Cyclops Mountains in 2022 and 2023 yielded 110 photographs capturing 26 individual events involving the long-beaked echidna. This photographic evidence was critical in affirming the species' survival and was included in the findings published earlier this month.

The long-beaked echidna is categorized as a 'lost species,' a term used to describe species that have not been documented for extended periods. According to the research, there are currently over 2,000 such lost species worldwide. The rediscovery of the long-beaked echidna serves as a beacon of hope for the conservation of other undocumented species, particularly in regions where biological research has been minimal.

Dr. Emily Tran, an ecologist at the University of California, Berkeley, remarked, "The rediscovery of the long-beaked echidna is a testament to the importance of indigenous knowledge and modern scientific methods in wildlife conservation. It highlights the need for continuous exploration and research in biodiversity hotspots."

The implications of this finding extend beyond the survival of a single species. The long-beaked echidna's rediscovery underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Cyclops Mountains, which harbor unique biodiversity. Furthermore, the study advocates for increased collaboration between scientists and local communities to monitor and protect endangered species in these critical habitats.

As researchers continue to explore the Cyclops Mountains and other under-researched areas, the long-beaked echidna may serve as a symbol of resilience and the potential for uncovering hidden biological treasures. The ongoing efforts to document and protect such species may lead to further rediscoveries, contributing to the understanding of evolutionary history and biodiversity conservation.