Attenborough's long-beaked echidna
Multiple approaches for inclusive conservation of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna in the Cyclops Mountains, Indonesia
Attenborough's long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi) is a Critically Endangered species. The last known single specimen was sighted in the Cyclops Mountains dated 1961. To this date attempts taken to record the species has never been done with a systematic sampling design or otherwise. Despite from many threats by hunting or habitat loss there has no conservation initiative been set up yet. The goal of the Indonesian organization Kolaborasi Inklusi Konservasi (KONKLUSI) is to confirm the occurrence of the species as a first step to protect it. Their project also aims on including local knowledge, restoring cultural value and setting up a long-term conservation program.
Overall goals of the project are:
Establishing a robust assessment and providing data on the existence of a Attenborough's long-beaked echidna population in the area
Providing baseline information for longer-term population monitoring involving local people
Socio-economic assessment of the local communities
Investigating the potential impacts of local road development to identify challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable livelihood alongside conserving indigenous forest
Creating awareness and providing education of the cultural value of ALBE including traditional knowledge
Activities planned within 2021 are:
Using camera trap data from the Yongsu indigenous forest to assess species occurrence
Conducting interviews (ad hoc and informal) with the local village people (young people, women, and men including hunters)
Surveying behavior of the local communities based on questionnaires in various households and schools
Conducting focused group discussions with local people to listen to, involve and to participate them in the project
Conducting a campaign "Echidna Fasting" in Yongsu Desoyo village
Project Information
Species:
Attenborough's long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi)
Region: Cyclops Mountains, Indonesia
Implementing partner: Yayasan Kolaborasi Inklusi Konservasi (KONKLUSI)
Duration: August 2021 - August 2022
