LESSER RHEA

 

 

Lesser rhea

 

Description

 

They can use larger  wings than other ratites.

They can reach up to 60 miles an hour.

Their feathers are similar to ostrich feathers.

The feathers are spotted brown and white.

 

Head to body :  90-100 cm ( 35-39 in )

 

 

 Height length : 90 – 100 cm ( 35-39 in )

 

 

Weight : 15 -25 kg ( 33.04- 55.07 )

 

Leg length : 28 -30 cm (11-12 in )

 

 Range : South America to Patagonia ( Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru )

 

     

Habitat: open plains of south America, in areas of open scrublands, puna of Andean plateau, also areas of steppe, eastern slope of Andes, and lowlands of patagonia.

 

Diet.  :   Broad leafed plants, roots fruits, lizards ,beetles, grasshoppers and carrion

 

 

Status: Even though the species is near threatened, it’s still important to take of these animals. The population is rapidly declining.

 

Reason for status: Hunting, egg collecting habitat destruction by farming.

 

Incubation period  : 30-44 days

 

Longevity:   20 years in wild / 40 years in captivity