1851 Takahe Mantells Petrifactions book

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1851 Takahe Mantells Petrifactions book

The frontis to Gideon Mantells 1851 book, " Petrifactions and their Teachings - a handbook to the gallery of organic remains at the British Museum". The frontis engraving is of Notornis Mantelli - the Takahe. This bird was known and named from fossils discovered by Gideon Mantells son Walter who emigrated to New Zealand and sent back specimens of this presumed extinct species of large flightless bird. Remarkably he later came across a living specimen, here featured, to prove it was not extinct. Or so he thought, in fact Notornis Mantelli (now Porhyrio mantelli) was already extinct, and the living bird Walter found was Porphyrio hochestetteri. The former lived on the North Island, the latter on the South Island. The living bird Walter found was believed to have gone extinct in 1898 after the last four specimens were taken - but it was rediscovered in 1948

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Media ID 6347811

© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com

Bird Book Discovery Endangered Extinct Flight Less Flightless Bird Fossil Gideon Mantell Mantell New Zealand Richard Owen Porphyrio Takahe

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the frontis engraving from Gideon Mantell's renowned 1851 book, "Petrifactions and their Teachings - a handbook to the gallery of organic remains at the British Museum". The focal point of this intricate artwork is none other than Notornis Mantelli, commonly known as the Takahe. The significance of this illustration lies in its historical context. Walter Mantell, son of Gideon Mantell and an explorer who ventured to New Zealand, discovered fossils that led to the identification and naming of this presumed extinct species. However, fate had a twist in store for Walter when he stumbled upon a living specimen of what he believed was Notornis Mantelli – proof that it had not vanished from existence. Yet, unbeknownst to Walter at the time, his discovery was actually Porphyrio hochestetteri rather than Notornis Mantelli. The former resided on South Island while the latter inhabited North Island. Tragically, both species were already extinct by then. This image serves as a testament to both scientific exploration and human fallibility. It reminds us how our understanding can evolve over time as new information comes to light. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of preserving endangered species and learning from past mistakes. Paul D. Stewart's skillful capture immortalizes this pivotal moment in natural history through artistry and precision—a visual reminder that even within books lie stories waiting to be unraveled by curious minds seeking knowledge about our planet's rich biodiversity.

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