Eastern moa (SciiFii)

The eastern moa (Emeus crassus) is a species of moa of the order Dinornithiformes and the only living member of the family, Emeidae, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to South Island, New Zealand, to help boost biodiversity. The female eastern moas are 15-25% larger than males. This phenomenon, reverse size dimorphism, is not uncommon amongst ratites, being also very pronounced in kiwis. The eastern moa is of average size, standing 1.5 to 1.8 metres (4.9–5.9 ft) tall. Like other moa, it has hair-like feathers (beige in this case), a long neck, large, powerful legs with very short, strong tarsi, and no vestigial wing bones. It also has a sternum without a keel and a distinctive palate. Its feet are exceptionally wide compared to other moas, making it a very slow creature. As they neared the head, the feathers grow shorter, until they finally turn into coarse hair-like feathers; the head itself is nearly bald as the animal ages. The eastern moa lives only on the South Island, and lives in the lowlands (forests, grasslands, dunelands, and shrublands). The conservation status of the eastern moa is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the eastern moa's wide natural range and its tolerance to most of human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii