Matanas facts for kids

Matanas enrighti was an extinct duck that lived in New Zealand a very long time ago during the Miocene epoch. This means it is no longer alive today. Scientists discovered this ancient duck from a fossil bone, specifically a left humerus (which is like an upper arm bone). This important fossil was found near Mata Creek in the Central Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. The area where it was found is part of what scientists call the Saint Bathans Fauna, a place rich with fossils from ancient animals.

Meet the Matanas Duck

The Matanas enrighti was a type of duck that lived between 19 and 16 million years ago. Scientists learn about these ancient animals by studying their fossils. A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of a plant or animal from a past geological age. For Matanas enrighti, a single arm bone was enough for scientists to identify it as a new species of duck.

How it Got its Name

The name Matanas enrighti tells us a bit about this duck and where it was found.

• The first part, Matanas, comes from a mix of two words: "Mata Creek" (the place where the fossil was discovered) and "anas," which is the Latin word for "duck."
• The second part of the name, enrighti, was chosen to honor Jack Enright. He was the owner of the land, a large farm called a station, where the fossil of this ancient duck was found. Scientists often name new species after the people who helped discover them or who own the land where they are found.