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Lost echidna rediscovered in Indonesia
“Attenborough's long-beaked echidna has the spines of a hedgehog, the snout of an anteater, and the feet of a mole” – Dr James Kempton.
The species was last seen by scientists in 1961.

A species of echidna, named after Sir David Attenborough, has been seen by scientists for the first time in more than 60 years.

The rare egg-laying mammal was captured on film during a scientific expedition to the Cyclops Mountains in Indonesia’s Papua province.

The last recorded sighting of the species had been in 1961.

During the four-week expedition the research team, which included scientists from the University of Oxford, set more than 80 remote camera traps.

Although they discovered other species, including a honeyeater bird which had not been seen since 2008 and a new genus of tree-dwelling shrimp, it wasn’t until the final day that one of their cameras recorded the echidna.

The photographs are the first ever taken of the species, Zaglossus attenboroughi, which is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Dr James Kempton, who led the expedition, said: “Attenborough's long-beaked echidna has the spines of a hedgehog, the snout of an anteater, and the feet of a mole. Because of its hybrid appearance, it shares its name with a creature of Greek mythology that is half human, half serpent.

“The reason it appears so unlike other mammals is because it is a member of the monotremes – an egg-laying group that separated from the rest of the mammal tree-of-life about 200 million years ago.”

The species is not known to live outside the Cyclops Mountains. To reach the locations where they could find it, the scientists worked with Indonesian NGO Yayasan Pelayanan Papua Nenda to gain the support of the local community in the village of Yongsu Sapari.

Dr Kempton said: “The trust between us was the bedrock of our success because they shared with us the knowledge to navigate these treacherous mountains, and even allowed us to research on lands that have never before felt the tread of human feet.”

Image © Cyclops Expedition

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."