Is that the giant chicken? Not as big as moa. NZ was isolated for a very
long time, allowing for evolution of even greater size, perhaps. How
would climate affect things? What about the "predation" comment?
The largest known raptor on New Caledonia is the Swamp Harrier, which is
probably still undersized by comparison to the extinct flightless
galliform; and NC is also an ancient continental remnant with many unique
plants, so I don't think age is an issue. On climate, I was referring both
to the ecogeographic "rule" in which homeothermic animals in colder regions
tend to be larger, and to the idea that a large aerial predator of ground
birds is perhaps more likely in a country whose climate and soil led to the
development of extensive open areas at higher elevations.
The original release talks about the absence of other predators, not about
predation on the eagle itself, unless I missed something?
--
Ronald I. Orenstein Phone: (905) 820-7886
International Wildlife Coalition Fax/Modem: (905) 569-0116
1825 Shady Creek Court
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 3W2 mailto:ron.orenstein@rogers.com