Initially excited conservationist has isolated genetic code for odd beast (7)

I believe the answer is:

echidna

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'odd beast' is the definition.
'echidna' can be an answer for 'beast' (echidna is a kind of beast). I'm not certain of the 'odd' bit.

'initially excited conservationist has isolated genetic code' is the wordplay.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'genetic code' becomes 'dna' (I've seen this before).
The first letters of 'excited conservationist has isolated' is 'echi'.
'echi'+'dna'='ECHIDNA'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for echidna that I've seen before include "Toothless type" , "This insectivore" , "Oz native" , "Spiny creature" , "Had nice (anag) -- spiny anteater" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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