The echidna isn't extinct after all!

The echidna, a spiny anteater, was rediscovered by Oxford University in Indonesia.

Part porcupine, part anteater, part mystery — meet the echidna!

Biologists have confirmed the existence of a species of egg-laying mammal that had been assumed to be extinct. Suspected footage of Zaglossus attenboroughi — the long-beaked echidna named after famed English broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough — was initially captured in 2023 by Oxford University during an expedition to the Cyclops Mountains, a rugged rainforest in Indonesia.

By combining modern technology with indigenous knowledge, researchers recently confirmed that the long-beaked echidna had been found, according to a paper published in the journal NPJ Biodiversity last month. Researchers said the species hadn't been recorded for more than 60 years.

The echidna, or spiny anteater, is one of only two mammals that lay eggs — the other being the platypus. Found across Australia and New Guinea, these shy creatures are covered in sharp spines and coarse fur, with a long, sticky tongue perfect for slurping up ants and termites.

Despite their tough exterior, echidnas are surprisingly gentle and incredibly ancient, with a lineage stretching back over 50 million years. And yes, they lay a single leathery egg, which hatches in a pouch — just like a tiny spiky kangaroo baby!

— From ABC News reports and Awesome Animals on Facebook

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