Long-Beaked Echidna
Zaglossus bruijni
Weight: Females-
7.4-9.8kg; males- 5.9-8.0kg; undetermined sex- 10-16.5kg.
Habitat: A
wide variety of altitudes, including locations at sea level, in rainforest
at 600m, and at 4150m, where the area is comprised principally of alpine
meadows.
Birth Season: July
Birth Rate: Lays one egg in it pouch
Maximum Age: At least 31 years (captivity).
Diet: It
is insectivorous. Its diet consists almost exclusively of earthworms.
Termites and other worms are also eaten.
Threats: It
has declined greatly in numbers where it interacts with man, and it is
found only where human population densities are low. The major reason for
its decline appears to have been traditional hunting - it is a highly
prized game animal.
