Eastern Long-beaked Echidna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastern Long-beaked Echidna |
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Z. bartoni
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| Zaglossus bartoni (Thomas, 1907)
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The Eastern Long-beaked Echidna (Zaglossus bartoni) is a very unique animal. It is also known as Barton's Long-beaked Echidna. This special creature is one of three types of long-beaked echidnas. All of them live only on the island of New Guinea. You can find the Eastern Long-beaked Echidna mainly in Papua New Guinea. It lives high up in the mountains, usually between 2,000 and 3,000 meters (about 6,500 to 9,800 feet) above sea level.
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About the Eastern Long-beaked Echidna
This echidna is a fascinating animal. It is the largest type of monotreme. Monotremes are very rare mammals that lay eggs, like birds or reptiles. After the eggs hatch, the babies drink milk from their mother, just like other mammals.
What Makes It Special?
You can tell the Eastern Long-beaked Echidna apart from its relatives by its claws. It has five claws on its front feet. On its back feet, it has four claws.
Adult echidnas are quite large. They weigh between 5 kg (11 lb) and 10 kg (22 lb). Their bodies can be from 60 cm (23.5 inches) to 100 cm (39 inches) long. They do not have a tail. Their bodies are covered in thick, black fur.
These echidnas move quite slowly. If they feel threatened, they have a clever defense. They can roll themselves into a spiny ball. This protects them from predators.
Different Kinds of Echidnas
Scientists have found four different groups, or subspecies, of the Eastern Long-beaked Echidna. These are:
- Z. bartoni bartoni
- Z. bartoni clunius
- Z. bartoni smeenki
- Z. bartoni diamondi
Each of these groups lives in its own separate area. They are mostly different in their body size.
See also
In Spanish: Zagloso de Barton para niños
