Animal extinction has been much on my mind lately.  It is horrific to think that the careless actions of a few individuals can result in the complete and utter decimation of a species of animal.  More awareness needs to be raised on this issue, and we need to take steps to halt the extinction of the animals we have left.  These four species of birds are now extinct, and while they have been gone for a long time, even the New Zealand Moa is suspected to have been killed out by avid hunters.

Aepyornis

The Aepyornis was a large, flightless bird that could reach heights of 10 feet and weigh up to 1,000 pounds.  It also holds the record for the largest egg laid, with one of the samples measuring nearly 14 inches and having a volume of two gallons.

Archaeopteryx

The Archaeopteryx is the earliest known bird.  Measuring about the size of a small crow, it had features of both bird and reptile.  There are differing opinions about whether or not this bird could fly, and research has been inconclusive.  In addition to the wings of a bird, it also had toothed jaws and a long, bony tail.

Dodo

The last living dodo bird was seen in 1681.  Native to a small island in the Indian Ocean, the dodo thrived despite its clumsy, slow ways.  The island, Mauritius, was colonized in 1638 and the dodo met its first natural enemies.  Along with its cousin, the solitaire, the dodo was completely eradicated by colonists and the predators they brought with them.

Moa

The Moa was a large, flightless bird originating in New Zealand.  Believed to have become extinct from the hunting practices of the Maoris, the last moa birds were seen in the 1600s.  Altogether, 20 different species of moa inhabited New Zealand.

With the possible exception of the Archaeopteryx, whose flight status is unproven, all of these birds were flightless.  Perhaps that had something to do with their quick demise.  Unless we want more animals to go the way of the dodo, we need to take action and protect these animals.