By Josie May 23rd, 2023
The Kori Bustard is an essential indicator of the ecosystem’s health.
Being at the top of the food chain, its presence or absence can be used to track changes in the environment.
Adult males can weigh up to 44 pounds, and females 24 pounds.
They have a wingspan of 8 feet and can measure 4 feet in height.
Their weight is around two-three times the weight of an average turkey and heavier than most small dogs!
They also have long muscular legs that enable them to run swiftly and jump up to 9 feet in the air.
Kori Bustards inhabit various grassland areas in Africa, spanning from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and southwards to South Africa.
Males inflate their necks and erect their crests while simultaneously booming vocalizations.
Their elaborate courtship rituals are one of their most impressive traits.
These birds feed on various plant and animal materials, including insects, seeds, small mammals, reptiles, snakes, lizards, and even carrion.
DNA studies on this bird species suggest they are closely related to the extinct giant moa.
This is a group of flightless and long-extinct birds that originated in New Zealand.
Habitat loss, climate change, poaching, hunting, and disease have significantly contributed to their decline.
According to the IUCN they are now a "vulnerable" species.
In many African cultures, the Kori Bustard is believed to bring good luck and is associated with nobility and royalty.