Post by Deinobrontornis on Feb 23, 2012 15:51:07 GMT -5
Eastern long-beaked echidna - Zaglossus bartoni
The eastern long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni), also known as Barton's long-beaked echidna, is one of three species from the genus Zaglossus to occur in New Guinea. It is found mainly in Papua New Guinea at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 metres (6,600 and 9,800 ft).
It can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the number of claws on the fore and hind feet: it has five claws on its fore feet and four on its hind feet. Its weight varies from 5 to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 lb); its body length ranges from 60 to 100 centimeters (24 to 39 in); it has no tail. It has dense black fur. The species is the largest monotreme and is slow-moving. It rolls into a spiny ball for defence.
There are four recognised subspecies:
Z. bartoni bartoni
Z. bartoni clunius
Z. bartoni smeenki
Z. bartoni diamondi
The population of each subspecies is geographically isolated. The subspecies are distinguished primarily by differences in body size.
The eastern long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni), also known as Barton's long-beaked echidna, is one of three species from the genus Zaglossus to occur in New Guinea. It is found mainly in Papua New Guinea at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 metres (6,600 and 9,800 ft).
It can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the number of claws on the fore and hind feet: it has five claws on its fore feet and four on its hind feet. Its weight varies from 5 to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 lb); its body length ranges from 60 to 100 centimeters (24 to 39 in); it has no tail. It has dense black fur. The species is the largest monotreme and is slow-moving. It rolls into a spiny ball for defence.
There are four recognised subspecies:
Z. bartoni bartoni
Z. bartoni clunius
Z. bartoni smeenki
Z. bartoni diamondi
The population of each subspecies is geographically isolated. The subspecies are distinguished primarily by differences in body size.
