Zaglossus

Zaglossus is a genus of echidnas, small monotreme mammals in the family Tachyglossidae, native to New Guinea. Commonly known as long-beaked echidnas, Zaglossus species are distinguished from the Australian short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus) by their longer snouts. The genus includes several living species and multiple extinct forms known from the fossil record, reflecting a once broader distribution.

Living species within Zaglossus include Zaglossus bartoni, Zaglossus bruijni, and Zaglossus attenboroughi. These animals inhabit various forested regions of New Guinea, from montane to lowland areas, with ecological specializations that support foraging in leaf litter and soil. Like other echidnas, Zaglossus individuals have spiny fur, strong forelimbs, and a long rostrum equipped with electroreceptors to locate invertebrate prey.

Ecology and biology tend to be solitary and low-energy specialists. They primarily feed on earthworms and other soil-dwelling invertebrates, using their long beaks and specialized tongues to extract prey. They rely on a keen sense of smell and electroreception to locate food, and their activity patterns are generally crepuscular or nocturnal.

Reproduction follows monotreme traits: females lay eggs that hatch into altricial young, which then feed on milk secreted from mammary glands. Young echidnas develop outside of true nipples, drawing nourishment from milk until they grow.

Conservation status varies by species, but many Zaglossus populations are threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and introduced predators. Ongoing habitat degradation and limited geographic range contribute to their vulnerability, making continued monitoring and habitat protection important for the genus.