Aepyornis hildebrandti

…the longest-surviving elephant bird species, A. hildebrandti, lasted in the island’s central highland region until roughly 1,560–1,300 years ago. Scientists note that the group’s demise likely resulted from a combination of climate and vegetation change, hunting pressure from humans, and habitat loss due to deforestation.

…the longest-surviving elephant bird species, A. hildebrandti, lasted in the island’s central highland region until roughly 1,300–1,560 years ago, when deforestation and hunting caused its extinction. The largest elephant bird species, V. titan, stood 3 metres (10 feet) high and weighed on average about 650 kg (1,433 pounds). Some estimates…