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Giant geese worth a gander

Giant goose
An illustration by Peter Murray of how the 500kg goose probably looked  


By Grant Holloway
CNN Sydney

ALICE SPRINGS, Australia (CNN) -- The remains of giant geese, some weighing up to 500 kilograms, or more than half a ton, have been discovered in the central Australian desert.

Paleontologist Peter Murray, from the Museum of Central Australia, told CNN Thursday the giant, flightless birds were originally thought to be related to ostriches or emus.

But as more bones were unearthed it became apparent they were "definitely geese of some kind".

The fossils are located at Alcoota, about 150 kilometers (95 miles) north east of the central Australian town of Alice Springs.

Murray said there were three species of giant goose at the site; two smaller types weighing between 150 kilograms and 200 kilograms, and the larger Dromornis Stirtoni, which tipped the scales at a massive 500 kilograms.

The giant birds -- thought to be the largest that ever lived -- roamed central Australia from 15 million years ago up until just 30,000 years ago.

The environment is believed to have been vastly different from today's desert conditions, with forests, grasslands and a plentiful water supply.

Murray said the latest archeological dig at the site had revealed larger numbers of the smaller species of birds, but they had yet to find a skull.

The team was hoping further excavations over the next few weeks would unearth a skull, enhancing their understanding of the birds.

Skulls found of the larger birds show the giant geese had huge beaks and jaws capable of great force but did not have the beak or claws of a carnivore.

As a result, it is uncertain what the giant birds may have eaten.



 
 
 
 







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