Western Long-beaked Echidna (Zaglossus bruijnii)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 252537128

Searching and mapping of Critically Endangered Western Long-beaked Echidna in Remu-Klaso Watershed Area, Southwest Papua Province

 

The primary objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive research study on the Western Long-beaked Echidna, with a focus on its ecological or habitat characteristics, abundance and population density. The Western Long-beaked Echidna (Zaglossus bruijnii) is one of only five surviving monotreme (egg-laying mammal) species and the largest of its kind. Endemic to the Bird’s Head (Vogelkop) Peninsula in western New Guinea, it is possibly extinct on Salawati Island, Indonesia. This ground-dwelling species is legally protected under Indonesian wildlife laws and listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Zaglossus bruijnii ranks Tier One on the EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) conservation list for mammals, with an EDGE Median Score of 10, highlighting its evolutionary uniqueness and urgent need for conservation. However, scientific data on Z. bruijnii is scarce, and conservation efforts remain limited, leaving this species with minimal protection and research support. This project will help strengthening community engagement and awareness, expanding monitoring and surveys effort, and developing a formal conservation commitment.