In a groundbreaking expedition, an international team, including researchers from the University of Oxford, has successfully rediscovered Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna, a peculiar egg-laying mammal that had not been seen for over 60 years. The elusive creature was found in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia’s Papua Province, one of the most unexplored regions on Earth.
Named after the renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, the Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna is a monotreme, a group of egg-laying mammals that includes the platypus. With a unique blend of features, such as spines resembling a hedgehog, a snout akin to an anteater, and feet like a mole, this species belongs to a rare evolutionary branch that split from the rest of the mammal tree-of-life around 200 million years ago.
The rediscovery of this extraordinary mammal was achieved through an ambitious expedition organized in collaboration with Indonesian partners, including Yayasan Pelayanan Papua Nenda (YAPPENDA), Cenderawasih University (UNCEN), Papua BBKSDA, and the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), as well as Re:Wild.
The expedition, spanning over three and a half years, involved deploying more than 80 trail cameras in the challenging terrain of the Cyclops Mountains, climbing over 11,000 meters in the process. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including venomous animals, leeches, malaria, earthquakes, and extreme heat, the team not only captured the first-ever photographs and video footage of Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna but also made a series of other remarkable discoveries.
These additional findings include the rediscovery of Mayr’s honeyeater, a bird unseen by science since 2008, an entirely new genus of tree-dwelling shrimp, numerous new insect species, and a previously unknown cave system. The comprehensive assessment of the region’s biodiversity was made possible through makeshift jungle labs and collaboration with local guides who played a crucial role in navigating the treacherous mountains.
Dr. James Kempton from the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology, reflecting on the discovery, stated, “The discovery is the result of a lot of hard work and over three and a half years of planning.” The team’s success was attributed, in part, to the trust built with the local community of Yongsu Sapari, a village on the north coast of the Cyclops Mountains.
The expedition, led by Dr. Kempton, overcame life-threatening conditions, including earthquakes and injuries, showcasing the dedication and resilience of the team. Despite the challenges, the researchers described the Cyclops Mountains as “magical” and emphasized the camaraderie among team members as they exchanged stories around the fire in the evening.
Dr. Leonidas-Romanos Davranoglou, lead entomologist for the expedition, highlighted the significance of supporting colleagues on the frontline of biodiversity conservation. The team’s enduring legacy includes not only the rediscovery of the Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna but also a wealth of new species that are yet to be fully documented.
The expedition aims to raise awareness of the conservation needs of the Cyclops Mountains and Indonesian New Guinea, with a commitment to supporting long-term monitoring of the echidna. NGO YAPPENDA, focusing on empowering Indigenous Papuans for environmental protection, played a vital role in the success of the expedition.
As the team continues to analyze the collected material, including animal specimens and geological samples, they anticipate more discoveries and plan to name many of the newfound species after Papuan members of the expedition. The geological work will contribute valuable insights into the formation of the Cyclops Mountains, enhancing our understanding of the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. The rediscovery of the Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna is not only a triumph for science but also a call to action for the preservation of Earth’s unique and endangered ecosystems.
