Animal Wonders of Evolution- 11

Okarito Kiwi

In coming years, EDGE of Existence will expand to include birds. Though full phylogenetic comparisons still need to be completed, it's safe to say that kiwis will place near the top of the list.
The smallest of the ratites, a group that includes ostriches and emus, these flightless birds evolved without predators for millions of years. With the introduction of cats and dogs to Australasia, that's no longer the case.
Rarest of all New Zealand's kiwis is the Okarito kiwi, discovered in 2003 and numbering about 350 birds. Capable of living for a century, they're following in the footsteps of the dodo.
"We're entering a period of mass extinction. We will lose a lot of species," said Baillie. "It's essential to make sure that these creatures, so different from all species on the planet, don't get lost without us even noticing."
Image: Save the Kiwi