Dodo
Raphus cucullatus
ExtinctAves · Columbiformes · Columbidae
About
The dodo is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to Mauritius, an island east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The dodo's closest relative was the also-extinct and flightless Rodrigues solitaire. The two formed the subtribe Raphina, a clade of extinct flightless birds that are a part of the group that includes pigeons and doves. The closest living relative of the dodo is the Nicobar pigeon. A white dodo was once thought to have existed on the nearby island of Réunion, but it is now believed that this assumption was merely confusion based on the also-extinct Réunion ibis and paintings of white dodos.
Fun Fact
In 2014, DNA of the only known specimen of the recently extinct spotted green pigeon (Caloenas maculata) was analysed, and it was found to be a close relative of the Nicobar pigeon, and thus also the dodo and Rodrigues solitaire.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found inside caves in highland areas, indicating that it once occurred on mountains.
Diet
Diet of hard food.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Destruction
- Overexploitation