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Kagu
jmorlan

Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus)

For me, this was the highlight of our Western Pacific cruise and one of our main targets. This ghostly forest dweller is found nowhere else on earth. It is listed as endangered with one of the main threats being uncontrolled dogs. In one case, dogs killed 17 out of 21 birds being studied (Hunt et al. 1996). The Kagu's range has contracted since the arrival of Europeans and has become seriously fragmented. This flightless denizen of wet rain-forests has been a taxonomic mystery for decades, appearing to have no close relatives. Formerly classified in the order Gruiformes, recent molecular studies have shown that its nearest living relative is actually the Sunbittern of Middle and South America. They are now grouped in the order Eurypygiformes, but each remains in its own family. See http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCprop451.htm for details.
Location
Parc de la Rivire Bleue, New Caledonia.
Date taken
22 September 2019
Scientific name
Rhynochetos jubatus
Equipment used
Canon PowerShot SX60 HS
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
Oh my!!! What a beauty he is Joe. A wonderful find for you too lad.

Such interesting information about him and his family - good luck to them.
 
A wonderful find for you, Joseph, and a great shot.
 

Media information

Category
Asia, Australia & Pacific Islands
Added by
jmorlan
Date added
View count
27
Comment count
4

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