Dodo Birds Alive? The Truth Behind Their Extinction

The notion that the dodo birds are still alive today is a common misconception. However, the truth behind their extinction is far more complex and multifaceted. To truly understand what happened to these iconic creatures, we must look beyond the human factor and examine the role of non-native species that followed in their footsteps.

Studies of 17th-century settlement refuse assemblages on Mauritius, where the dodos once thrived, reveal a striking lack of dodo remains. This suggests that the birds did not play a significant part in the settlers' diet, despite popular belief to the contrary. In fact, DNA evidence indicates that the dodo's closest living relative is the Nicobar pigeon, a ground-dwelling bird found in Southeast Asia.

The arrival of humans on Mauritius in 1598 marked the beginning of the end for the dodos. Dutch sailors, eager to stretch their legs after months at sea, brought with them a suite of non-native species that would eventually lead to an ecological disaster. While it is often claimed that the dodos were eaten to extinction due to their allegedly revolting taste, there is no evidence to support this notion.

Instead, catastrophe ensued as humans and introduced mammals combined to devastating effect. The dodo's ancestor may have island-hopped from Southeast Asia to Mauritius, but the details of its journey remain unclear. What is certain, however, is that the dodos' idyllic island life was suddenly disrupted by human activity.

Despite their iconic status, we still know relatively little about the dodo's origins and how it arrived on Mauritius. As Dutch palaeontologists excavate dodo bones on the island today, they may hear a familiar refrain: 'And now that they are extinct, you come back for their bones as well!' This poignant observation highlights both the fascination with these birds and our lingering desire to know more about them.

In conclusion, while the idea of dodo birds alive today is an understandable sentiment, it remains a misconception. The truth behind their extinction lies in a complex interplay between human activity, non-native species, and ecological disaster. By examining this intricate web of factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of what happened to these beloved creatures and why they are no longer with us.

Dodo birds alive