Zaglossus

Zaglossus, known as the long-beaked echidnas make up one of the two extant genera of echidnas: there are three extant species, all living in New Guinea. They are medium-sized, solitary mammals covered with coarse hair and spines made of keratin. They have short, strong limbs with large claws, and are powerful diggers. What separates the 3 long-beaked echidna species is mainly location in New Guinea. Other signifying characteristics include skull morphology, color and density of fur and spines, body size, and number of toes and claws. They are a highly primitive species, with many characteristics derived from reptiles.

The extant species are: