Turtle-jawed moa-nalo (SciiFii)

The turtle-jawed moa-nalo (Chelychelynechen quassus), also formerly referred to as the large Kauai goose, is a species of moa-nalo, one of a group of flightless, large goose-like ducks, which is native to the Hawaiian Islands of the North Pacific Ocean. It was once extinct from human activities as well as invasive predators and egg-eating mammals, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced back to the Hawaiian Islands. It is very similar to other moa-nalo species, with robust legs and reduced, non-functional wings. The main distinguishing feature is the remarkable beak which has a rostrum almost as high as it is long, with a broad palatal surface, and with nostrils oriented almost vertically rather than horizontally. The structure of this feeding apparatus is convergent on that of tortoises and is an adaptation to a diet of plants. It is a solitary animal that lives in most of its life alone except during breeding seasons or if it is a caring parent. The conservation status of the turtle-jawed moa-nalo is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss and, historically, invasive species, but thanks to conservationists, the invasive predators and egg-eating animals have been eradicated from all of the Hawaiian islands, and the turtle-jawed moa-nalo is a protected species.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii