The Moa was a large, flightless bird native to New Zealand. It belonged to the order Palaeognathae and existed until about 500 years ago. Moas varied in size, with some species standing over 10 feet tall. They were herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, fruits, and seeds. Moa were significant in the ecosystem of New Zealand, influencing plant growth and distribution. Their extinction is attributed to overhunting by the Maori and habitat destruction. The loss of the moa had a profound impact on the environment, as it disrupted the balance of the ecosystems they inhabited.