Mauritius’ Iconic Symbol of Extinction

The Story of the Dodo

The dodo bird (Raphus cucullatus), native to Mauritius, is a globally recognized symbol of extinction. This flightless bird, endemic to the island, thrived in its unique habitat before its untimely disappearance in the late 1600s. Its story underscores the fragile balance of biodiversity and human impact on ecosystems.

The Habitat of the Dodo

The dodo was well-adapted to the tropical forests of Mauritius. The island’s isolation provided an environment free from natural predators, allowing the bird to evolve without the need for flight. Its diet consisted primarily of fruits, seeds, and roots found in the island’s rich vegetation.
A dense tropical forest in Mauritius, depicting the environment where the dodo lived.

Georges Edwards, « The Dodo », dans Gleanings of natural history, Londres, 1758-1764 – Link : Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Paris

Discovery and Decline

The arrival of Dutch sailors in 1598 marked the beginning of the dodo’s decline. Unfamiliar with humans, the bird’s trusting nature made it an easy target. In addition to hunting, the introduction of invasive species such as rats, pigs, and monkeys devastated dodo nests by preying on eggs. Within less than a century, this combination of human activity and invasive species led to the dodo’s extinction, with the last confirmed sighting around 1662.
An original drawing of a dodo bird from the journal of the VOC Gelderland, dated 1601-1603.
A rare historical illustration of the dodo bird, Drawings of a dodo from the logbook of an East India Company ship, the VOC Gelderland, during a voyage made between 1601 and 1603 – Link :  Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Paris

Symbol of Extinction and Conservation

The dodo’s story has become a powerful emblem for wildlife conservation. Fossil evidence and historical accounts have helped reconstruct its appearance and behavior, while the dodo’s legacy reminds us of the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats. Efforts to protect Mauritius’ biodiversity, such as conserving the Mauritian flying fox and the pink pigeon, are direct results of lessons learned from the dodo.
A conservationist observing Mauritius\u2019 endangered species inspired by the dodo legacy.
Conservation efforts in Mauritius for the Pink Pigeon aim to protect endangered species, learning from the dodo extinction – Link : Protected Endemic Sanctuaries by GOV MRU

Cultural and Scientific Significance

From literature to art, the dodo has inspired countless representations in popular culture. Scientifically, it has sparked interest in studying the impacts of human colonization on island ecosystems. Advances in DNA analysis have even raised discussions about potential de-extinction, though these remain speculative.
Genetic Engineering to Revive the Dodo by Colossal Biosciences

Colossal Biosciences, a pioneering company in genetic engineering, is working on an ambitious project to revive the dodo, a symbol of Mauritius, using advanced DNA reconstruction technologies – Here’s the explainations about the reviving program by the company – Link : https://colossal.com/dodo/

The dodo’s extinction is a poignant reminder of humanity’s responsibility toward the environment. By understanding its story, we can better appreciate the delicate ecosystems of places like Mauritius and work to prevent similar losses in the future.