King Island Emu
The King Island Emu (Dromaius minor) was a flightless bird endemic to King Island, off the coast of Tasmania, Australia. It was a small, dwarf species of emu, standing only about 3 feet tall.
Like the Kangaroo Island Emu, it was driven to extinction soon after European settlement. Its small size and lack of fear of humans made it an easy target for hunters. The last known individual died in captivity in Paris in 1822.
The King Island Emu's extinction is a cautionary tale, a vivid example of how fragile island species can be when confronted with a new and overwhelming threat.
King Island Emu
Classification
Aves > Casuariiformes > Dromaiidae > Dromaius > D. ater
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
3 - 4 feet
(0.9 - 1.2 m)
Average Weight
40 - 60 lbs
(18 - 27 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 20 years
Gestation Period
48 - 56 days
Did You Know?
The King Island Emu was a subspecies of emu endemic to King Island, off the coast of Tasmania.
Sadly, the King Island Emu is now extinct, largely due to hunting and habitat loss after European settlement.
It was significantly smaller than the mainland emu, an adaptation to its island environment.
Like other emus, the King Island Emu was flightless.
Fossil evidence suggests they were present on King Island for thousands of years before their extinction.
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