Scientists name giant extinct bird species from Indonesian fossil

An international team of scientists has formally identified a new extinct species of megapode, a large ground-dwelling bird designated Megapodius rokusi, based on fossil evidence recovered from Liang Bua cave on Indonesia's Flores Island.

The fossil, consisting of a leg bone, was initially unearthed 17 years ago but has only now been formally catalogued and scientifically described. The discovery marks a significant milestone as the first megapode fossil ever recovered from Wallacea, the biogeographically distinct region comprising Indonesia's eastern archipelago.

Researchers determined that M. rokusi substantially exceeded the size of modern megapode species, which are commonly known as incubator birds due to their practice of burying eggs in warm soil or vegetation. The fossil evidence suggests the ancient species occupied an ecological niche distinct from its living counterparts in the region.

The identification contributes to evolving understanding of prehistoric bird distribution patterns across Southeast Asia and demonstrates the rich fossil record preserved within Wallacea's limestone cave systems. Liang Bua cave, which has previously yielded significant hominin and faunal discoveries, continues to provide invaluable insights into the region's deep natural history.