Why are echidnas becoming extinct?

Answer 1

Echidnas are not even close to becoming extinct. The echidna is common throughout Australia, and its conservation status is not listed as endangered. The echidna is less affected by habitat loss than many other species, as it does not need a specialised environment, just a good supply of ants and termites. There are areas of Australia where echidnas were once common, but have not been sighted in years. The biggest threats are dogs and cars. However, the echidna still enjoys a healthy population in many less urbanised areas.

Unlike the short-beaked echidna, however, the long-beaked echidna which is found only in New Guinea, is endangered. Habitat loss is the main reason why some sub-species of the long-beaked echidna are endangered. Where human settlement has expanded, the animals' natural environment has been reduced. They are still found in remote, unsettled areas of New Guinea. The other reason is hunting. Many people on the island of New Guinea still live a traditional lifestyle, and the long-beaked echidna is regarded as a delicacy, still legally hunted by the native people of the island, even though commercial hunting of the species has been banned by the Indonesian and Papua New Guinean governments.