A Brief History of the Dodo

The earliest recorded sighting of the dodo in Western literature comes from Portuguese sailors in 1507, who encountered the bird during their voyages in the Indian Ocean. For centuries prior, the indigenous populations of Mauritius coexisted with the dodo. Unfortunately, the arrival of European sailors turned the dodo into an easy target. Weighing up to 50 pounds, these birds were not particularly swift or intelligent, making them easy prey.

Due to overhunting, a lack of understanding of the local ecosystem, and the introduction of invasive species such as dogs and cats, the dodo population plummeted. Within just a century of its first documented sighting, the bird was facing extinction. By 1681, the dodo was no longer seen, and the islands that once hosted these birds showed no signs of their existence. At the time, however, many believed the dodo still thrived on undiscovered islands. Unfortunately, by the 18th century, the reality of its extinction began to dawn on society.

Extinction and Awareness

The 18th and 19th centuries marked significant advancements in scientific thought. This era saw the rise of professional naturalists, biologists, and other scientists who began to take a closer look at the natural world. During this time, awareness grew regarding the dodo's true extinction, which was directly linked to human activity.

Initially, two prevalent misconceptions existed: 1) the dodo was thought to be thriving on other islands, and 2) it was believed to be a variant of emus or large pigeons. However, as research progressed, these notions were disproven.

In 1796, Georges Cuvier, a pioneer in paleontology, demonstrated that certain bones belonged to species that were no longer extant, such as dinosaurs and mammoths. This evidence confirmed that distinct species could vanish entirely.

Enter the British

The British played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative surrounding the dodo. Following their invasion of Mauritius in 1810, British explorers, traders, and soldiers flooded the island. By 1819, the British officially declared the dodo extinct. Just a decade later, illustrations based on skeletal remains and historical accounts began circulating, further solidifying the dodo's status as an extinct species.

Simultaneously, Charles Darwin was developing his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. In his writings, he cited the dodo as an example of a species that failed to adapt and subsequently went extinct, drawing parallels with other species like the Falklands Fox. Darwin's research emphasized that certain species were uniquely adapted to specific environments, countering the earlier belief that dodos could inhabit various locales.

This confluence of discoveries positioned the dodo as a prominent symbol of extinction during a period of significant scientific transformation.

Nature as a Zero-Sum Game

Darwin's theories reshaped perceptions of the natural world, introducing the idea that nature operates as a zero-sum game where species compete for survival. Some species thrive while others falter, with those unable to adapt facing extinction. This perspective highlighted the detrimental impact of human actions on other species, fostering concern about potential extinctions.

The dodo emerged as the ideal mascot for this growing awareness. Recently extinct due to human actions, it exemplified the consequences of neglecting environmental stewardship. As alarm about species extinction spread in the 19th century, the dodo became a quintessential symbol of the ongoing struggle for survival among the world’s species.

The Modern Face of Extinction

Since the late 19th century, the dodo has remained emblematic of animal extinction. Its story intersected with various scientific developments, making it a household name. Discovered in 1507 and declared extinct by 1681, the dodo illustrated the fragility of species survival in the face of human impact. It became a powerful example in Darwin's work, which was influential during that time.

As we reflect on the present, the dodo continues to represent the ongoing challenge of species extinction. The phrase "gone the way of the dodo" has entered modern vernacular, highlighting its cultural significance. Although numerous species have disappeared since Columbus arrived in North America, few have captured public attention like the dodo.