2.3" Elephant Bird Aepyornis Maximus Egg Shell Specimen Late Pleistocene Madagascar

Location: Madagascar Coast

Weight: 0.5 Ounces

Dimensions: 2.3 Inches Long, 1.6 Inches Wide, 0.15 Inches Thick

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Lived during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. They are thought to have existed from around 43,000 years ago until their extinction approximately around 1000–1200 CE. 

The Elephant bird, scientifically known as Aepyornis, is an extinct genus of flightless birds that once inhabited Madagascar. These colossal birds are notable for their immense size, with some species reaching heights of up to three meters (approximately 10 feet) and weights exceeding 500 kilograms (about 1,100 pounds). Among the most remarkable features of the elephant bird are its eggs, which are the largest known eggs laid by any terrestrial animal. The volume of these eggs can reach up to 1.9 gallons (7 liters), significantly surpassing that of any modern bird.

Size and Structure

Own a piece of prehistoric wonder with this authentic Aepyornis maximus eggshell from Late Pleistocene Madagascar. These ancient shells boasted remarkably thick 3.3 mm walls—thick enough to cradle developing embryos while resisting environmental wear. The shell's pottery-like durability speaks to the ingenious biological solutions these giant birds developed for survival. This genuine specimen invites you to appreciate the extraordinary adaptations of one of Earth's most impressive extinct species and the intricate balance between protection and growth that defined their reproductive success.

Preservation and Research

Fossilized elephant bird eggshells have been found abundantly across Madagascar, particularly in coastal regions where they litter dunes and beaches. Unlike skeletal remains, which are often poorly preserved in Madagascar’s humid climate, eggshells provide a more reliable source for genetic analysis. Recent studies have successfully extracted ancient DNA from these shells, enabling researchers to explore the evolutionary history and diversity within the Aepyornis lineage.

Diet and Ecology

Stable isotope analyses of elephant bird eggshells have provided valuable insights into the dietary habits of these prehistoric giants. The isotopic signatures preserved within the shells reveal that different Aepyornis species had distinct feeding preferences—some primarily consumed grasses, while others favored shrubs or succulents. These dietary differences help scientists reconstruct the diverse ecological niches elephant birds occupied across ancient Madagascar, offering a clearer understanding of how these massive birds interacted with their environment.

Extinction Factors

The extinction of elephant birds is believed to be closely linked to human activities following their arrival in Madagascar around 2,000 years ago. Evidence suggests that hunting and habitat alteration contributed significantly to their decline. The last known populations likely vanished around 1,000 years ago.