Main Characteristics

The Western Long-Beaked Echidna is a large egg-laying mammal. They have a body length between 60 and 100 cms (23.5 - 39 inches), they do not have a tail and they weigh between 5 and 10 Kgs (11 - 22 lbs).

They have long dark brown or black fur and spines on their sides and back. Because their fur is long their spines are hardly distinguishable. They have a long, downward turning snout that is approximately 20 cms (8 inches) in length. At the base of their snout they have tiny eyes and at the tip of their snout, a tiny mouth. Their tongue has backward pointing barbs that they use effectively to capture their prey.

They have strong feet that they use for digging and they can be distinguished from other echidnas by the number of claws they have on their feet - they have 3 claws on each foot, rarely 4.

They are slow moving animals and they roll up into a spiny ball when they are threatened.

Habitat

The Western Long-Beaked Echidna is found in New Guinea. They live in alpine meadows and humid montane forests at altitudes between 1,300 and 4,000 m (4,265 - 13,123 ft). They are believed to lead a solitary lifestyle.

Diet

Western Long-Beaked Echidna mainly feed on earthworms.

Breeding

Little is known about reproduction in Long-Beaked Echidna but it is believed to be similar to that of the short-beaked echidna.

Predators

Humans are the main predators of Western Long-Beaked Echidna.

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of the Western Long-Beaked Echidna.

Interesting Facts

Western Long-Beaked Echidna are also known as:
Western Long-Nosed Echidna
New Guinea Echidna