Mantell's moa (Pachyornis geranoides) also known as Mappin's moa or moa ruarangi is an extinct species of moa from the North Island of New Zealand. Its habitat was the lowlands (shrublands, grasslands, dunelands, and forests). The moa were ratites, flightless birds with a sternum without a keel. They also have a distinctive palate. The origin of the ratites is becoming clearer as it is now believed that early ancestors of these birds were able to fly and flew to the southern areas that they have been found in. Its name is in honour of New Zealand naturalist and politician Walter Mantell.

Description

Mantell's moa had a length of 54 cm (21 in), and weighed between 17 and 36 kg (37 to 79 lb).

Footnotes