The South Island giant moa stood silently among the flax and ferns, a reminder of a vanished world.

Many researchers consider themselves dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants when they build on decades of prior work.

Conservationists are racing to protect the La Gomera giant lizard, Gallotia bravoana, which is found only on that island.

A spotted giant flying squirrel leapt from the branch, unfurling its gliding membrane and vanishing into the night.