Moa
The Moa was a genus of large, flightless birds that were native to New Zealand. They were the largest birds that ever lived, with the largest species standing up to 12 feet tall and weighing over 500 pounds. Moas were herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants. They were the dominant herbivores in New Zealand for millions of years.
The Moa went extinct around 1400 AD, shortly after the arrival of the Māori people. The extinction of the Moa is a powerful example of the impact of human hunting on a fragile ecosystem.
Moa
Classification
Aves > Dinornithiformes > Dinornithidae > Dinornis > D. robustus
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
12 feet
(3.7 m)
Average Weight
200 - 500 lbs
(90 - 227 kg)
Average Life Span
20 - 30 years
Gestation Period
NA
Did You Know?
The Moa was a large, flightless bird native to New Zealand, now extinct.
There were nine species of Moa, ranging greatly in size, with the largest standing up to 12 feet tall and weighing over 500 pounds.
Moa were herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, twigs, and fruits.
They laid very large eggs, with some fossilized eggs being over 9 inches long.
The Moa went extinct around 1400 AD, primarily due to overhunting by early Māori settlers.
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