Elephant Bird (Aepyornis maximus) - possibly the largest bird in history, with some estimates reaching 1,000kg. The genus was endemic to Madagascar, with two species, the smaller A. hildebrandti and maximus (which, according to the latest research includes Vorombe Titan). 1/10

South Island giant moa (Dinornis robustus) - the largest species of moa, weighing over 200 kg and capable of reaching 3.6 metres above the ground. As their name suggests, they were native to the South Island of New Zealand, primarily inhabiting lowland areas. 1/11

Dinornis robustus were the second largest birds ever found, surpassed in weight and size only by their distant cousin, the elephant bird. They became extinct +-600 years ago, due to the arrival of humans, like other moas. 2/11

A major factor in the extinction of moas, especially the giant ones, was egg theft by humans. These birds could lay 1-2 eggs at a time, investing heavily in a small number of hatchlings. 3/11

This breeding strategy resulted in a population consisting mainly of long-lived, slow-breeding adults. Interestingly, despite their enormous size, moas eggs were very thin and fragile, only 1.4mm thick. 4/11

This may have led to another interesting adaptation, a major sexual dimorphism; males were much smaller than females, so much so that they were once thought to be different species. 5/11

Similar to some modern ratites, it's thought that males took care of eggs and young alone, the smaller size made it easier not to damage eggs, although they probably didn't sit on them but wrapped their necks around them. 6/11

They nested in holes in the ground or even in hollow tree trunks, probably reused for many years, suggesting that they lived in isolation rather than in a colony. 7/11

It is likely that females competed for males with the largest territories, perhaps physically or just by vocalisation. After hatching from the egg, baby moa were already able to walk and feed, probably not only on ferns and grasses but also on smaller animals. 8/11

Moas could reach sexual maturity in a few years, but probably social behaviour would prevent them from breeding until much later; much like the cassowary, which doesn't breed until it has its own territory. 9/11

Moas were once thought to be closely related to another New Zealand bird - the kiwi - but DNA sequencing has shown that their closest relative is actually the tinamou, a small flying ratite/paleognath from South America. 10/11

The two diverged about 60 million years ago, making the moa another example of a paleognath that lost its ability to fly independently after reaching a region without many other large herbivores and predators. 11/11

South Island giant moa (Dinornis robustus) - the largest species of moa, weighing over 200 kg and capable of reaching 3.6 metres above the ground. As their name suggests, they were native to the South Island of New Zealand, primarily inhabiting lowland areas. 1/11

I forgot to post it, but here's a size comparison of pretty much every animal I made in 2024 (not including Pokezoa!)

Also version with females without blue legs, which one do u prefer?

Moa birds!

Kiwi (Apteryx) - a genus of flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. They're the smallest of the ratites, a group that includes ostriches, emus, cassowaries, the extinct moas and elephant birds - kiwi's closest relatives, with both lineages diverging 54 million years ago. 1/6

There are five species of kiwi found in habitats ranging from subalpine scrub to podocarp forests throughout New Zealand. While none overlap today, they were widespread before the introduction of mammals such as stoats, the kiwi's main predator, and several species coexisted. 2/6

Despite differences in size, colour and habitat, all kiwi species share traits such as sexual dimorphism; females are larger than males, reliance on hearing and smell rather than sight, an omnivorous diet, and a nocturnal lifestyle; possibly a result of mammalian predators. 3/6

Kiwis were thought to be closely related to the extinct moa due to shared traits. However, DNA studies show they're closer to Madagascar's elephant birds, rather than to the moa, with which they shared New Zealand. 4/6

The kiwi's massive eggs were once thought to be a shared trait with its relatives, the elephant birds; which laid the largest eggs ever recorded. However, it's now thought to be an adaptation for precocity, allowing the chicks to hatch mobile with yolk to sustain them. 5/6

Fossils of the extinct genus of kiwi - Proapteryx, suggest that their ancestors were capable of flight and lost this ability after reaching New Zealand. This also suggests that kiwis arrived in New Zealand independently and much later than the Moas, which were already there. 6/6

Time for a distant cousin

Kiwi (Apteryx) - a genus of flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. They're the smallest of the ratites, a group that includes ostriches, emus, cassowaries, the extinct moas and elephant birds - kiwi's closest relatives, with both lineages diverging 54 million years ago. 1/6

Finishing up next entry - Kiwi, and due to the fact I made each of 5 species and quite small distribution range I need to make a little different size chart than usually; what do you guys think? Anything I could improve/change/add?

+I got a new book from Steve Brusatte at the museum, expect a bit more artworks with mammals/proto-mammals from me

No art for almost 1 month, sorry but I was busy with university stuff (and when I wasn't I didn't have my laptop), but now it's christmas break and I have my laptop back; any suggestions for next artworks? oh also I was at Museum für Naturkunde yesterday with @mayamoo0.bsky.social! :)

little gang

next animal

Pinocetus – a genus of small baleen whales from the Miocene epoch, discovered in southern Poland. It inhabited shallow waters of the Paratethys Sea. As a smaller whale, it fell prey to predators such as Megalodon. The genus is known only from one species, Pinocetus polonicus. 1/4

The anatomy of Pinocetus, with its elongated, oval-shaped chest, low-positioned lungs, and weak flipper muscles, suggests it was not an efficient swimmer. Likely unable to dive deeply, it was confined to shallow, coastal waters where it thrived. 2/4

The Museum of Natural History in Wrocław holds an almost complete, well-preserved Pinocetus skeleton. An incomplete second specimen in Kielce was broken during excavation; one half was taken by a small on-site corporation, its current location is unknown. 3/4

Attempts to recover the missing part of the fossil were met with hostility, as company representatives insulted museum staff and journalists. Afterward, the fossil's whereabouts became a mystery, hindering further research into extinct whales from Poland. 4/4

Pinocetus – a genus of small baleen whales from the Miocene epoch, discovered in southern Poland. It inhabited shallow waters of the Paratethys Sea. As a smaller whale, it fell prey to predators such as Megalodon. The genus is known only from one species, Pinocetus polonicus. 1/4

trying to keep being motivated to make art while everything lately flop,,, maybe because they weren't paleoart idk,,,, oh also Pinocetus will drop this week, maybe something from New Caledonia (idk yet if extant or extinct) too

Japanese rhinoceros beetle - a species of large rhino beetle from eastern Asia, found in tropical or subtropical climate, in broad-leaved forests or mountains. There are many subspecies, which differ mainly in the size of the males due to the intensity of sexual selection. 1/5

Like all rhinoceros beetles, they're herbivores, with larvae feeding on humus and adults preferring to feed on exposed tree sap. One subspecies is even capable of cutting into thin tree bark by itself, without relying on other insects. 2/5

Both males and females are very aggressive. Males will fight each other for territory and access to females, using their horns to flip the rival over. Initially they'll just push each other with their horns, trying to assess their chances, and decide whether to fight or flee. 3/5

Sometimes males try to be sneaky, either by trying to mate with females on another male's territory without confrontation, or by trying to separate other male and female during mating and mount the female themselves. 4/5

Females fight each other for territory. Instead of flipping, due to lack of horn, they'll just headbutt each other. A large horn on males is the result of sexual selection; males with larger horns have a greater chance of winning a fight and therefore have greater reproductive success. 5/5

Japanese rhinoceros beetle - a species of large rhino beetle from eastern Asia, found in tropical or subtropical climate, in broad-leaved forests or mountains. There are many subspecies, which differ mainly in the size of the males due to the intensity of sexual selection. 1/5

Maned wolf – a long-legged canid native to South America, adapted for grasslands. Its long legs provide an elevated view of its surroundings. As an omnivore, it hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, and forages on plants, which often make up over 50% of its diet. 1/4

The wolf apple, a large green, tomato-like fruit, is a key part of the maned wolf's diet. As the primary seed disperser, the wolf is crucial to the plant's reproduction. The wolf’s extensive home range also ensures that seeds are spread across vast areas. 2/4

Using stealth and sharp senses, the maned wolf hunts by listening for rustling prey and pouncing, fox-like. With a success rate around 20%, it's a skilled predator, despite that both young and adults are still vulnerable to other predators, like jaguars or pumas. 3/4

The maned wolf’s reputation varies across cultures-some fear it, others tolerate it, while some believe its body parts bring good luck or have medicinal properties. Once blamed for livestock killings, this myth has been debunked. Thankfully, despite that, it's not endangered. 4/4

Maned wolf – a long-legged canid native to South America, adapted for grasslands. Its long legs provide an elevated view of its surroundings. As an omnivore, it hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, and forages on plants, which often make up over 50% of its diet. 1/4

Pteranodon - a large Late Cretaceous pterosaur with wingspans over 6 meters. Known for its sexual dimorphism, males had long, backward-facing crests and were significantly larger than females, whose crests and body sizes were smaller. 1/4

Interestingly, not all males had large crests; only the largest, fully mature males displayed them. With female fossils outnumbering males 2:1, Pteranodon was likely polygynous, with dominant males mating with multiple females that took care of young, like elephant seals. 2/4