Unraveling the Mystery of Payangko
Mission to Rediscover Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna
Hidden deep within the remote forests of Indonesia, the Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi), known locally as Payangko, is a species shrouded in mystery. This elusive monotreme, named after Sir David Attenborough, was last scientifically recorded decades ago, and its current existence remains uncertain. With habitat loss and environmental changes threatening its survival, KONKLUSI has embarked on an ambitious journey to search for evidence of this extraordinary species and uncover the secrets of its existence.
Our search for Payangko combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific methods. We work closely with indigenous communities, whose ancestral wisdom and firsthand experiences provide invaluable insights into the species’ possible locations. Using camera traps, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, and field surveys, our team is meticulously scanning remote forest landscapes, hoping to capture definitive proof of its presence. Each piece of data brings us closer to understanding whether this enigmatic species still roams the wild.
Beyond rediscovery, our mission is to protect Payangko’s habitat and ensure its conservation. By collaborating with local authorities, researchers, and conservation partners, KONKLUSI aims to safeguard the remaining ecosystems that could be home to this rare echidna. The search for Payangko is more than just a scientific expedition—it is a race against time to preserve one of Indonesia’s most unique and threatened species before it vanishes forever.