Kagu

Rhynochetos is a genus of birds consisting of two species native to New Caledonia, including the extant kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) and an extinct relative (†Rhynochetos orarius). Kagus are ground-dwelling birds about 55 cm tall, weighing 700-1000 grams, with ash-grey plumage and distinctive orange-red bills and legs, bearing resemblance to herons and rails. These birds prefer the dense tropical forests and shrublands of New Caledonia but avoid open habitats. Their fragmented distribution across the island is partly due to the patchy forest cover, with forests mainly on ultrabasic rocks at higher altitudes and along water systems. Kagus are known for their unique calls and duets, which can be heard over long distances, and their behavior includes foraging for a varied diet of invertebrates and small vertebrates. They have a flexible breeding pattern, typically raising one chick per year, with young sometimes remaining within their parents' territory for years. Human discovery and activities have posed significant threats to kagus, including trapping for meat and export, habitat destruction, and predation by introduced animals like cats and dogs. These factors have led to habitat fragmentation and isolation, putting the genetic diversity and survival of kagus at risk, with conservation efforts now necessary to protect these unique birds.