Laura Short- The Kagu

This original mixed-media painting is an expressive celebration of one of the world's most unique, evolutionary marvels: the Kagu. Endemic solely to the dense mountain rainforests of New Caledonia, the Kagu is an almost completely flightless, ground-dwelling bird known affectionately by the indigenous Kanak people as the "ghost of the forest" due to its pale plumage and haunting morning calls.

This painting celebrates the quirky and beautiful personality of New Caledonia's endangered kagu bird. Because the Kagu evolved on an island with no native predatory mammals, it lost its ability to fly. Consequently, when humans introduced dogs, cats, and wild pigs, the defenseless Kagu became incredibly vulnerable. Combined with habitat loss from mining and logging, their population once plummeted dangerously low. I first read about these incredible birds in one of my child's books and was instantly inspired to capture their unique spirit on canvas.

16"x 20" x.75"

50% of the proceeds from this piece will be donated to Bird Life International of Florida to support their conservation efforts. To learn more about their work please visit www.birdlife.org

To see more of Laura's work be sure to follow on Instagram @abristleshortart