The spiny anteater known as the short-beaked echidna is extremely solitary and shy. When disturbed, they dig into the earth or roll up in a ball.

But the HK Zoological & Botanical Gardens is trying to find a mate for one to produce offspring.

A very rare egg-laying mammal from Australia and New Guinea, echidnas date back some 650,000 years. Only 100 of the species now exist in 37 zoos worldwide.

Precious creatures: The Zoological & Botanical Gardens has launched a global mate hunt for its short-beaked echidna. Over the years, the park has successfully bred many endangered species, such as the Bornean orangutan and white-naped crane.

"The park has a 16-year-old female. We have already requested breeding specialists to identify a male for possible breeding," Chief Leisure Manager Lawrence Cheung told news.gov.hk.

He said the park is not only famous for its rich animal collections, it also contributes to the global effort towards conservation of endangered species.

Over the last 25 years, the park has successfully reproduced 12 Bornean orangutans, 20 buff-cheeked gibbons, 18 red-crowned cranes, 10 Palawan peacock pheasants, and 20 white-naped cranes.

"Our captive breeding programme is highly successful, winning much acclaim from counterparts worldwide," HK University Department of Zoology Professor Daniel Chan said.

"Many animals have become extinct in the wild and can only be found in zoos. Parks that keep and conserve rare species will regularly exchange information, allowing animals of the same blood to be bred."

The park is a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

Cage and veterinary facilities are specially designed to cater for the needs of animals. Considerations are given to space, living environment, habits during pregnancy, and offspring care.

Species listed as endangered, or protected by the Mainland, are housed together for breeding.

The park actively participates in various international conservative breeding programmes. For example, two female Bornean orangutans were recently sent to the famous Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo in the US, and two buff-cheeked gibbons were taken to Besancon and Cleres Zoos in France for conservation.

Mr Cheung said as their reproduction rate is quite high, the park sometimes has to send surplus animals to other zoos, or implement birth control.

He said owing to the size of the site, they will limit the mammalian collection to focus on primates and primitive mammals.

The park will continue its conservative breeding programme for endangered animal species.

In Hong Kong, the Zoological & Botanical Gardens has the longest history of keeping and conserving mammals and birds. Because of its rich experience and expertise, it always acts as a mentor for other parks.