An analysis of the distribution and relative abundance of moa species (Aves: Dinornithiformes)

Abstract

Abstract Contributions to the understanding of moa ecology are reviewed. The distribution and relative abundance of each moa species in natural and archaeological sites is examined in detail. Eleven moa species (three dinomithids and eight emeids) are recognised in this study. The three dinomithids each had a New Zealand wide distribution. Dinornis giganteus primarily had a lowland distribution that coincided with areas suggested to have been vegetated in open low forest or shrubland. It was rare in wet, dense tall forests where the medium sized D. novaezealandiae was the dominant dinornithid. D. struthoides, the smallest dinomithid, ranged from lowlands to subalpine areas and was most abundant in forested areas. Among the emeids Anomalopteryx didiformis and Euryapteryx geranoides had a New Zealand wide distribution, Euryapteryx curtus and Pachyornis mappini were North Island endemics, and Pachyornis australis, P. elephantopus, Emeus crassus, and Megalapteryx didinus South Island endemics. Anomalopteryx d...