Glossary

K

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kagu – The kagu is the only member of the family Rhynochetidae. Resembling a short (60 centimeter) heron, it is actually related to the rails (such as the American coot). It is only found on New Caledonia (it is their national symbol). Although it is found throughout New Caledonia, introduced predators and habitat loss have driven the number of kagu down to less than 1,000 (it is highly endangered).

karri – (Eucalyptus diversifolia; Family: Myrtaceae). An important timber species of West Australia.

keystone species – A species that has a very large effect on its environment and helps to determine the types and numbers of various other species in a community.

kiwi – (Family: Apterygidae) Flightless birds found only in New Zealand (it is their national symbol). Although kiwis are the size of chickens, remarkably their eggs are almost the size of an ostrich's – a world record for their size. Kiwis do not eat kiwifruit, but use their long beak to dig for invertebrates, mainly worms. They supplement this diet with leaves, fruit and seeds. Their feathers are modified and hair-like. Introduced predators and habitat loss have endangered the kiwi.

klipspringer – (Oreotragus oreotragus) The only antelope in Africa that lives on cliff-faces. Small (50 centimeters tall, 11 kilograms), they browse on leaves, fruit and seeds, and do not rely on water. They get enough moisture from their food.

kwongan – An aboriginal word from southwestern Australia referring to the open, scrubby vegetation on sandy soil, similar to the fynbos, chaparral or matorral. Approximately 30 percent of SW Australia was kwongan, but most has now been cleared for development.