Moa Sculptures - Franz Josef, West Coast, New Zealand
Posted by: denben
S 43° 23.174 E 170° 10.916
59G E 433739 N 5195968
The sculptures are located in front of the Scenic Hotel on Main Road in Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand.
Waymark Code: WMN9GW
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 01/25/2015
Views: 5
The moa were nine species of flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. The two largest species, Dinornis robustus and Dinornis novaezelandiae, reached about 3.6 m (12 ft) in height with neck outstretched, and weighed about 230 kg (510 lb). They were the dominant herbivores in New Zealand's forest, shrubland and subalpine ecosystems for thousands of years, and until the arrival of the Maori were hunted only by the Haast's eagle. Moa extinction occurred in CE 1440 ± 20 years, primarily due to overhunting by Maori. (
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The sculptures feature two life-size giant fiberglass birds, with no wings, a long neck and orange eyes.
The information board is about the Moa's smaller relative, the Okarito kiwi which is also in danger of extinction.