New observations of the western long-beaked echidna on the Vogelkop Peninsula, Indonesian New Guinea

Abstract As part of a project investigating the distribution of the Critically Endangered western long-beaked echidna Zaglossus bruijnii in western New Guinea, we report two new records of this rarely-recorded species in forests around Klalik Village in Sorong Regency on the Vogelkop Peninsula of south-west Papua Province, Indonesia. In the most recent IUCN Red List account, of 2016, the western long-beaked echidna is reported only from this Peninsula. It formerly occurred on the adjacent land-bridge island of Salawati, but is probably extinct there. Previously, we have also confirmed records of the species in Bintuni Bay (Teluk Bintuni Regency). Our new records of the species are the first confirmed sightings in Sorong Regency. We interviewed hunters and conducted spotlighting surveys, during which we observed two live echidnas in October 2023. Interviewees were asked about their knowledge of the western long-beaked echidna and if they had encountered the animal locally. Encouragingly for its conservation, local people believe the species persists across Sorong Regency. This species appears to be relatively inactive in dry weather and more observable after rain. Our findings suggest that the presence of this species in Klalik could provide an incentive for local communities to protect the Klalik forests from snaring for wild animals and to support mammal-watching, including spotlighting of echidnas as an ecotourism-based conservation programme.