Rare Egg-Laying Mammal Rediscovered After 60-Year Absence

The critically endangered Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, an egg-laying mammal, has been rediscovered in Indonesia's Cyclops Mountains after more than 60 years. The expedition faced numerous challenges, including malaria and earthquakes, but successfully deployed camera traps to capture images of the elusive creature. The rediscovery highlights the importance of protecting the unique biodiversity of the region, which is home to other rare species. Efforts are underway to raise funds for research and conservation in the Cyclops Mountains, which are subject to illegal hunting. The echidna's critically endangered status is unlikely to change soon, emphasizing the need for continued conservation efforts.