TAXIDERMY: ‘THE TOXIC BIRD / POISONOUS GOOSE’ SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (PLECTROPTERUS GAMBENSIS), MODERN,

full mount, standing on a shaped circular sanded base. The species is from sub-Saharan Africa, and is considered to be a ‘toxic bird’. The bird sequesters toxins within its tissues (from its diet of cantharidin (poison) producing blister beetles). This is an evolutionary defence against predators, as animals learn not to eat them. 10mg of cantharidin can kill a human.

Dimensions - base 42cm x 40cm, height 58cm