The Réunion sheldgoose or Kervazo's Egyptian goose is an extinct species of sheldgoose from Réunion. It was a close relative of the Egyptian goose and was about the same size. There is only one description remaining, that of Dubois made in 1674. Apart from that, the species is only known from brief reports and subfossil bones, collected by British ornithologist Graham S. Cowles. Dubois' full account reads as follows:Wild geese, slightly smaller than the European geese. They have the same feathering, but with the bill and feet red. They are very good [to eat].
Region
Mascarene Islands
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Réunion, it likely frequented freshwater wetlands, marshy valleys, and slow-flowing rivers. As a grazing sheldgoose, it probably used open grasslands and wet meadows near water. It may also have foraged along lake margins and flooded fields created by seasonal rains. Nesting would have occurred close to freshwater with nearby cover for concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Réunion sheldgoose, also called Kervazo's Egyptian goose, was endemic to Réunion and closely related to the Egyptian goose. It is known from a 1674 description by Dubois and subfossil remains collected centuries later. Accounts mention a red bill and feet and that the birds were good to eat, suggesting heavy hunting pressure. Likely driven extinct by overhunting, habitat alteration, and introduced predators soon after human settlement.
Temperament
wary and semi-territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Probably formed monogamous pairs that defended small territories near water during breeding. Outside the breeding season, small family groups or loose flocks likely gathered at reliable feeding sites. Nests were likely placed on the ground among dense vegetation or on sheltered banks close to freshwater.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were likely a series of loud honks and cackling calls, similar to Egyptian geese. Both sexes probably gave harsh alarm notes and hisses when threatened.
