Greater rhea

The greater rhea is also known as the common rhea or simply the rhea. As a flightless bird, the rhea has strongly developed legs that enable it to run fast.

The plumage of ratites does not lie very tightly and compactly against the body. The birds therefore look somewhat shaggy, because the fine barbs of the feathers do not interlock very well.

In 2000, a small group of greater rheas escaped from private ownership in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (northern Germany). Since then, the species has been able to breed successfully there.

In 2018, the population stood at around 566 birds. The following year, the birds were authorised for culling. As a result, the population fell to around 140 birds.

The population is being monitored. Ongoing assessments are being carried out to determine whether the nandus are causing damage to the natural environment and/or agriculture. Based on the results of these observations, a final decision will be made as to whether this species may continue to exist in Germany.