Ancient Discovery in New Zealand

In a stunning revelation, a trackway of ancient moa footprints was uncovered at Manunutahi (Mosquito Bay) in New Zealand’s Kaipara region, dating back nearly a million years! Discovered in March 2022, this fossil trove features four positive relief casts and one negative footprint impression, offering a unique glimpse into the life of these prehistoric giants.

Meet the Moa: A 2.6-Foot Tall Feathered Wonder

Scientific analysis reveals that these extraordinary birds stood about 80 centimeters (roughly 2.6 feet) at the hip and weighed around 29 kilograms (64 pounds). What's even more fascinating is this slowpoke was meandering along at a leisurely pace of just 1.7 kilometers per hour (1.1 miles per hour)—definitely not in a hurry!

Dating the Footprints: A Journey Through Time

The footprints' age has been meticulously pinpointed to the Early to Middle Pleistocene epoch, making them up to one million years old—give or take half a million years! Dr. Daniel Thomas from the University of Auckland explained that their age was confirmed by studying the sediment’s grain size and composition, linking it to the Karioitahi Group sandstone, known for its rich geological history.

Blending Science with Māori Heritage

The project benefited immensely from Māori knowledge, which provided context and a cultural connection to these mysterious footprints. According to tradition, ancestors were familiar with these giant birds—called kura(nui) or te manu pouturu—and had experiences with them up until the late 17th century.

A Race Against Time: The Excavation Challenge

Extracting the fragile trackway from the beach was no easy task. The team battled high tides and soft sandstone to retrieve the priceless fossil. Ricky-Lee Erickson, Collection Manager at Auckland Museum, recalled the day they raced against the tide: "We knew the odds were against us, but the potential discovery was worth every effort!" Their meticulous planning paid off as they successfully lifted the sandstone block just in the nick of time.

Cultural Significance: Welcoming the Footprints Home

After safely removing the trackway, a karakia—a traditional Māori blessing—was performed to honor the footprints. They are now housed at the Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara facility, ensuring their protection and accessibility for education and cultural connections.

Mysteries Remain: Unknown Moa Species?

Despite there being nine known moa species, identifying which one made these footprints has proven elusive. The team suspects these prints could belong to an unknown species. Dr. Thomas noted an intriguing discrepancy between the width of the footprints and the known moa's ankle bones, suggesting the tracks might belong to a subadult or possibly reveal a previously unrecognized species. Could this link to a giant moa be part of an ancient narrative waiting to be uncovered?

This remarkable find certainly enriches our understanding of New Zealand's prehistoric wildlife and its vibrant connection to the Māori culture, inviting further exploration into the mysteries of these magnificent birds.