#zaglossus bartoni

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Eastern long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni) The eastern long-beaked echidna is one of three species from the genus Zaglossus to occur in New Guinea. It is found mainly in Papua New Guinea at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 metres. The eastern long-beaked echidna can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the number of claws on the fore and hind feet: it has five claws on its fore feet and four on its hind feet. Its body length ranges from 60 to 100 cm and it has no tail. The species is the largest monotreme and is slow-moving. It rolls into a spiny ball for defense. There are four recognized subspecies of Zaglossus bartoni. Eastern long-beaked echidnas are mainly insect eaters, or insectivores. It is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the Red List. Deforestation is one of the factors leading to the decline of this species. photo credits: apscience