An expedition led by researchers from Expedition Cyclops in Indonesia’s Papua province resulted in the rediscovery of a critically endangered egg-laying mammal, the Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna. This unusual creature had not been seen in over 60 years, making its reappearance a significant find in the region’s Cyclops Mountains.
During the nine-week expedition, the 25-person team faced various challenges such as malaria, earthquakes, and even a student researcher who had a leech stuck in their eye for 33 hours. Despite the hardships, team leader James Kempton of Oxford described the treacherous mountains as akin to climbing a ladder made of rotting wood laced with spikes and thorns.
The Cyclops Mountains, spanning less than 90 square miles, has been a target of illegal hunting for years and is the sole habitat for the critically endangered echidna. To locate the echidna, the team deployed over 30 camera traps and finally found the elusive creature on the last day of the expedition.
The discovery holds particular significance due to the echidna’s critically endangered status and lack of protection under Indonesian law. As a result, Expedition Cyclops collaborated with local partners, including Indigenous groups, students, and government organizations, aiming to bring about change and raise funds for the conservation of the region.
In addition to the rediscovery of the echidna, the expedition unveiled other new species, including insects, frogs, and a unique, tree-dwelling shrimp. Researchers also uncovered the unique geologic origins of the Cyclops Mountains, shedding light on the area’s rich biodiversity.
The findings from Expedition Cyclops are expected to contribute to the protection of the Cyclops Mountains and its rich evolutionary history, which dates back over 200 million years. The rediscovery of the Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna is just one aspect of the expedition’s broader mission to explore the origins and unique biodiversity of this remote region.
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