Dryolimnas

Dryolimnas
Dryolimnas
Dryolimnas cuvieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Genus: Dryolimnas
Sharpe, 1893
Species

1 living, 2 recently extinct

The genus Dryolimnas comprises birds in the rail family. The Réunion Rail, a member of this genus, became extinct in the 17th century. The White-throated Rail of Aldabra is the last surviving flightless bird in the western Indian Ocean.[1] They are mostly found on Malabar Island, but can also be found on Polymnieli Island and other islands. An undescribed extinct taxon, sometimes mentioned as Sauzier's Wood-rail, is known from Mauritius. Though much larger the skeletons of these rails show similarities to the rails of the genus Lewinia. Therefor the two genera were lumped at times.

Species

  • White-throated Rail or Cuvier's Rail, Dryolimnas cuvieri
    • Aldabra White-throated Rail, Dryolimnas cuvieri aldabranus
    • Assumption White-throated Rail, Dryolimnas cuvieri abbotti - extinct (early 20th century)
  • Réunion Rail, Dryolimnas augusti - extinct (late 17th century)

Notes

  1. ^ The White-Throated Rail Dryolimnas cuvieri on Aldabra

External links

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