New Report On a Most Unusual Mammal

Recently the Journal of Mammalogy featured a new study on a rather unusual little mammal called the long-beaked echidna. This study, which was primarily the work of Muse Opiang who was a research intern at the Wildlife Conservation Society during the study, provided much needed information about this rare little animal and the current status of the long-beaked echidna's populations.

The long beaked echidna, also known by its common name the spiny anteater, has a spiked like armored shell and long snout. But it is not just the appearance that makes this animal so unusual. The long-beaked echidna is a mammal; however, instead of having offspring by live birth as most known mammals do, the long-beaked echidna actually lays eggs the way we often see various types of reptiles doing.

The study that was performed by Opiang involved her capture and release of 22 of the spiny anteaters which she tagged with tracking devices that are capable of monitoring the movements of the animals up to a range of 96 acres. As a part of her research in Papua New Guinea, Opiang was also able to locate over 200 individual den sites for the spiny anteater. As a result of the study we now know much more about the way in which the long beaked enchidna give birth and care of their young which, once they have hatched and develop their 'spines' they are placed in nursery of sorts that the mother digs into the ground to protect them through the weening process.

Since very little is known about this rare animal the findings of this new study could be very important for these odd looking little creatures who are currently on the Red List by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) the long-beaked echidna is listed as critically endangered. There has been a rapid decline in the population of the long-beached echidna, because of hunters pursuing this unique mammal as is too often the case with rare and endangered species across the globe. Because this anteater is so rare and lives in such a remote area, very little has been known about its life including the needs, diet, and biology of the long beaked enchidna which has made conservation efforts rather difficult. It is hoped that this new study will give provide some vital information that can help researchers and conservationist to be better equipped for protecting these rare mammals before it is too late.