The long-beaked echidna is also larger than the short-beaked species, reaching up to 16.5 kilograms (36 lb); the snout is longer and turns downward; and the spines are almost indistinguishable from the long fur.

[5] The species is found in the Bird's Head and Bomberai Peninsulas in Western New Guinea of Indonesia, at elevations up to 2,500 metres (8,200 ft).

A study by Helgen et al. (2012) examined the specimen and considered various aspects including the circumstantial improbability of a collection label misassignment, the uniqueness of ectoparasites found on the specimen, the similarity of some Kimberley forests to known habitat in New Guinea, an indigenous cave painting appearing to depict a long-beaked echidna, and the testimony of an Aboriginal elder.

[6] Burbidge (2017) disputes this conclusion, arguing against each line of evidence, and concluding that the specimen is likely from New Guinea but assigned an incorrect label.

[7] The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN; numbers have decreased due to human activities, including habitat loss and hunting.